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The world is under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate the public to act.

The medal will honor in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special bond she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good which means we need to really start thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change the way we treat wildlife around us.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”