🔗 Share this article A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Honor Individuals Acting to Better the World. Earth is under strain, but optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate the public to make a difference. A gathering related to the Starmus festival. This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect the natural world. Award Details Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year. It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the close connection she shared with us.” “The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place 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 the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories. “It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award. Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.” “In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to commence reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.” A Call to Action Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.” Another key issue at present involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”. “It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.” Optimism and Resolve The goal remains that the medal can motivate action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.” A family member engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and environment. “As my late grandmother often emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions currently in progress.”