🔗 Share this article

The world could be under pressure, but optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will encourage people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special connection she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

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

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good so we have to begin to thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the work of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”