The Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Celebrate Those Striving to Improve the Planet.

Our planet could be under pressure, but there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

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

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must commence reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become contested where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor will inspire action. “The purpose is encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists young people get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”