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The world is under pressure, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise those who advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think because of the close bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good therefore we must begin to reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of false information. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will spur action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”