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Our planet might be under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate the public to take action.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the close bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must commence reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”