🔗 Share this article A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Honor Individuals Acting to Improve the World. The world might be under strain, yet optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage people to take action. A gathering related to the Starmus festival. This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion our planet's biodiversity. Award Details The inaugural winners will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year. According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the unique relationship she had with us.” “The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member. Structure and Vision A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields. “It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award. Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this undermines collective action.” “Realistically, the situation appears very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.” Inspiring Change Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.” Another key issue at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”. “We realised that truth has become contested where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.” Hope and Determination The hope is that the medal will inspire positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.” A family member engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world. “As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”