The event
On October 8th, 2022, the Environmental Media Association held its annual awards. The invite list included Billie Ellish, Quannah Chasinghorse, David Spade, Bill Nye, and many more. The night celebrated the excellence in environmental storytelling in television, movies, and comedy. Don’t Look Up, Abbott Elementary, and Yellowstone, were among the productions feted for their work in following green practices and telling stories of environmental justice, climate action, and sustainability.
Who
The Environmental Media Association is a non-profit that connects media to the environment. This organization is well known for the Hollywood celebrities involved with their efforts and environmental actions. They define themselves as “entertainment industry influencers, entrepreneurs in business, and green icons.” Their board includes stars Jaden Smith, Nikki Reed, and Shailene Woodley, to name a few. The Environmental Media Association is an organization that is applying pressure on Hollywood and making an impact with climate activism in the media.
Awards
For the list of nominees and entertainment to watch, here.
For the list of winners, click here.
Why it’s important
Recognizing environmental action in the media will encourage the participation of more series, movies, and leading media productions. It can feel as though we are disconnected daily from the ecological world and the negative impacts, we have on it. As the climate crisis becomes more and more prevalent, it is even more important to put the climate crisis at the forefront of conversations. Superstars like Billie Eilish and movie production studios like HBO celebrate environmental storytelling through their productions and at this Environmental Media Association event. Media is one of the best ways to get the message out there. When mainstream celebrities (who reach millions of people) bring the climate crisis to their platform, more audience members can be exposed to learning. Plus, it moves the needle. With the money and fame attached to names like HBO and Jaden Smith, they can bring momentum to this movement. Their fame makes people pay attention. It shows other organizations that don’t do as much to show up to the sustainability conversation.
Activists
Unless you follow eco-content regularly, it can be hard to know who is at the frontlines of education and activism. Recognizing the BIPOC activists, influencers, and names you may not be as familiar with is essential to spreading their message and experiences. Some climate activists at the event included Wawa Gatheru (@wawa_gatheru), Isaias Hernandez (@queerbrownvegan), and Kristy Drutman (@browngirlgreen). Giving activists the spotlight alongside a-list celebrities is the media coverage we need to get climate messaging out there.
Source: Environmental Media Asssociation