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The world could be under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to motivate individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good which means we need to really start reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference 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 offer support and raise awareness about the positive actions that people are making.”