🔗 Share this article

Our planet is under pressure, but there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire people to take action.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the very special connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife around us.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal will spur action. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”