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Earth could be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the unique relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

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

“The intent is for it 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 for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to really start reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor will inspire action. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”