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The world could be under pressure, yet optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire individuals to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the close relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”