🔗 Share this article

Earth is under pressure, yet there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the very special bond she had with us.”

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

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. So this really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good therefore we must really start reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming contested where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists young people get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”