The Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Celebrate Individuals Acting to Improve the Planet.
The world might be under strain, but optimism persists. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire the public to act.
This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect the natural world.
The Medal's Framework
Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.
According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the very special relationship she had with us.”
“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place 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 indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.
“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.
Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines global initiatives.”
“In truth, the situation appears very good so we have to begin to reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”
A Call to Action
As a result, it was noted this is a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”
A major topic currently was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.
“There is a recognition that truth has become contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”
Hope and Determination
The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”
A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.
“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”
