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Our planet is under strain, but there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

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

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to begin to thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor will spur action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, helps the youth get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions are significant 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 raise awareness about constructive efforts that people are making.”