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Our planet could be under strain, but there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to inspire individuals to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of false information. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor can motivate action. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”