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Our planet is under pressure, but optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

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

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good which means we need to commence thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming contested when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will spur action. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”