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The world could be under pressure, however optimism persists. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to commence thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”