CLIMATE · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Christiana Figueres Receives Jane Goodall Earth Medal
WHY IT MATTERS
The Jane Goodall Earth Medal recognizes individuals who embody Goodall's values of science, courage, and responsibility, highlighting the importance of honoring conservation leaders and promoting truth in information.
What happened
Former United Nations climate chief Christiana Figueres has been awarded the inaugural Jane Goodall Earth Medal. The medal honors those who unite science, courage, and responsibility. It was established by the Starmus Festival board in recognition of Jane Goodall's conservation legacy. Goodall, a primatologist and conservationist, died in October 2025 at the age of 91.
Figueres, who served as executive secretary of the U. N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, discussed the award on the Mongabay Newscast. She described Goodall as "an absolute giant" and expressed her honor at debuting the medal.
Astrophysicist Garik Israelian, co-founder of the Starmus Festival, stated that advisory board members Brian May and Peter Gabriel conceived the idea for the medal. May is known for his work through the Save Me foundation, while Gabriel focuses on human rights causes. The Starmus Festival, which will take place from October 17-22 in Spain, centers on the theme of "The Search for Truth," addressing information integrity.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Honoring Jane Goodall’s conservation legacy and combatting misinformation
Mongabay · Naina Rao · Discovery and factual synthesis only; publisher copyright terms apply