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Earth is facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will encourage people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the close connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on that work,” 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 – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate globally represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to begin to reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic today involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor can motivate action. “It’s about encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps young people become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”