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The world might be under strain, however optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to begin to reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor can motivate positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”