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Earth could be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise those who champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event 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 backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “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 an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about constructive efforts that people are making.”