🔗 Share this article The Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Honor Those Acting to Improve the Planet. Earth could be under strain, but there is hope. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire people to make a difference. A gathering related to the Starmus festival. This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth. The Medal's Framework The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year. Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique connection she shared with us.” “The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member. Format and Inspiration One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields. “It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award. Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.” “To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to really start thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.” A Call to Action Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat wildlife around us.” Another key issue today was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”. “There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.” Hope and Determination The hope is that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.” A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment. “As my late grandmother often reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”