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Earth could be under strain, however optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will spur positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”