The Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Recognise Those Acting to Improve the World.

Earth might be under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will motivate people to act.

Image from a Starmus event.
A gathering related to the Starmus festival.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. And I think because of the very special relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will inspire positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about constructive efforts currently in progress.”
Cameron Martinez
Cameron Martinez

A productivity coach and writer passionate about helping individuals unlock their potential through mindful practices.