🔗 Share this article

Earth is under pressure, yet there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate individuals to make a difference.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the very special connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

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

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

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good so we have to commence reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions currently in progress.”