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The world could be under strain, however there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the very special relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

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

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies globally represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good therefore we must really start reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor will spur positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers young people become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions that people are making.”