Lights, Camera, Climate Action: How Hollywood is Going Green
We live in a world driven by influence. With technology, we have the power to influence and be influenced by many others. As we see through the dominance of social media, we know the power and connection that comes with a compelling story. Before we became part of the world ruled by likes and hashtags, we found inspiration from our favorite book, tv show, or film.
The entertainment industry was the original influencer. Through reflection, emotional growth, and real-world impact, good stories affect our lives. Further, we are all vulnerable to the captivation of a touching story. This industry holds a great deal of influence. With this ability comes the obligation to share stories that improve our lives and the world for the better.
Entertainment's Value in Society
Because of the power of storytelling, humankind can connect with each other and with our inner selves. We are no strangers to it. Since we first emerged as a species, we have shared stories to build communities. Today, the entertainment industry has the advantage of bringing people together, serving as the purveyor of culture. Hollywood, arguably set as the Entertainment Capital of the World, has historically been well-positioned to use this advantage to create change that affects the masses. Last summer, as the pandemic seemed to start lessening, digital media continued to soar and cemented our shift towards the digital world for storytelling. What's the benefit of this? Consumption of environmental-related content skyrocketed, bringing greater awareness to climate change and momentum for action.
The industry is shifting rapidly, for the better! Barely a decade ago, the idea of a film delivered over a streaming service winning the Oscars for Best Picture, or any Oscar, was unimaginable! What's more, the success of CODA served as another stellar example of giving attention and consideration to a diverse cast.
As art imitates life, we see how film and media continue to form in ways that give voice to issues of the time and those long ahead. When it comes to climate change, studios are heeding the call to find ways to function sustainably and create stories that bring capacity for change. From the massive popularity of documentaries such as Seaspiracy and David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet to the scripted dramedy release of Don't Look Up, there is more reception to the dire threats affecting our planet now than ever before.
It's a long journey to net-zero
Fortunately, studios and agencies recognize the growing importance of embedding sustainability across the value chain, going as far as delegating a dedicated sustainability/corporate social responsibility/corporate citizenship department. The Sony Group, for example, has implemented its long-term environmental plan known as "Road to Zero." This plan has led to their Green Management 2025 plan, which aims to accomplish interim goals from now until FY2025. When it comes to the magic of entertainment, the corporation has developed Sony Pictures A Greener World. This initiative seeks to combat climate change and protect the well-being of communities worldwide. Other studios similarly leverage their brands, such as Disney's efforts for environmentally focused programming and Netflix being on track to meet net-zero goals by the end of 2022. There's still work to do despite all the progress, and the Environmental Media Association is committed to helping.
Any filmmaker can commit to sustainability, from studio directors to students, by following our EMA Green Seal for Production.
Storytelling for Earth
Our goal is to continue amplifying the voices of diverse changemakers, coming together to build a world that cares for us as we care for it! That has been the mission of EMA since day one, and we are proud to join our friends within the entertainment industry who actively strive to bring these innovators together. There are achievements to celebrate and solutions to be discussed, as is the focus at our annual Impact Summit. We are thrilled to partner with The Hollywood Reporter for the 2022 EMA IMPACT Summit to help amplify the successes and challenges of sustainability in the entertainment industry.
Another way filmmakers and storytellers amplify climate solutions is through the narrative, characters, and action of their works. For example, our annual EMA Awards recognize the TV shows and movies that include environmental messaging, encouraging others to do the same. From The Simpsons to Okja, it's critical for mainstream media projects to introduce a broader audience to green messaging.
Join us as we take a Closer Look at our EMA Green Seal for Production
Stay tuned in the coming months as we take a deep dive into our EMA Green Seal and our studio partners' incredible things to green their sets and amplify sustainable stories.
Written by Demitri Fierro, ESG Contributor (MBA Candidate in Sustainable Management)