🔗 Share this article A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall to Honor Those Acting to Improve the World. Our planet might be under strain, however there is hope. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire the public to act. An event related to the Starmus festival. The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion the natural world. Award Details Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year. According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the close connection she shared with us.” “The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member. Structure and Vision A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions. “The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal. Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this really cripples global initiatives.” “To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must begin to reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.” A Call to Action Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.” A major topic currently was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”. “There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.” Optimism and Resolve The hope remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.” A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, helps young people get involved locally, animals, and environment. “As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”