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Earth might be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to motivate individuals to take action.

The medal will be given in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed at 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 member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the very special connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good so we have to begin to reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern currently was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will spur action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”