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Our planet is under pressure, but optimism persists. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will motivate the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance globally represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to commence reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur action. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”