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Earth might be facing challenges, but there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate people to take action.

The medal is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the very special connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance globally is conducting a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good so we have to begin to reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

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

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor will inspire action. “The purpose is 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 doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”