The world is under strain, however optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to motivate individuals to make a difference.
The medal will honor to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.
Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.
Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think due to the very special relationship she had with us.”
“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.
One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.
“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.
Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines collective action.”
“In truth, things don’t look very good therefore we must really start reconsidering, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”
As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”
Another key issue currently was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.
“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”
The goal is that this honor will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”
A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers young people get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.
“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about constructive efforts currently in progress.”
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