🔗 Share this article

The world might be under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire the public to take action.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the unique bond she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become contested when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will spur action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at 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 environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions currently in progress.”