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Our planet could be under strain, but there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise those who protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the close connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival 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 award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to commence reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that people are making.”