A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Honor Individuals Acting to Improve the World.

Our planet might be under pressure, however there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

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

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good therefore we must begin to reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”