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Our planet could be under pressure, however optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will encourage the public to take action.

The medal will honor in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think due to the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”