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Earth could be under pressure, however optimism persists. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will encourage people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

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

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about the positive actions currently in progress.”