🔗 Share this article

Earth could be facing challenges, yet there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to inspire individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners 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.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think because of the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must commence reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will spur positive change. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”