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The world might be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to motivate the public to act.

The medal will honor in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

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

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor can motivate positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, assists young people get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”