Four Climate Lessons I Learned from the 33rd Annual EMA Awards
Storytelling is a powerful force. It shapes cultures, drives conversation, and pushes movements forward. It also reflects the realities of our time. We started 2024 by honoring and paying tribute to all who use their reach to promote impactful storytelling. The 2024 Environmental Media Association Awards saw many environmentally-conscious influencers, celebrity activists, and corporate executives unite to make our planet a place that supports us all entirely and equitably.
The event was hosted by a well-rounded set of co-hosts, EMA Board Chair Lance Bass, Cheri Oteri, and Melissa Peterman. Throughout the evening, I was engulfed by the wisdom shared. Hearing the moving words from incredible icons, such as the ever-graceful Jane Fonda and Laura Dern, spoke volumes to attendees as we mobilize to make 2024 a year of climate rescue. I am excited to share what stood out most from the evening, highlighting all the extraordinary work being done at the cross between entertainment and environmental activism.
Storytelling for Impact is Going International
Environmental Media Association CEO, the ever-driven Debbie Levin, greeted all attendees with a keynote welcome speech to the awards show. She showed enthusiasm for all the successful environmental-minded partnerships this past year. It sparked my excitement to hear that EMA will attend the NYC Climate Week for the first time this year! Next, I was thrilled to learn that the coveted EMA Green Seal program -- a recognition program honoring progress in sustainable production for movies, television shows (animated and live-action), filmed commercials, and print advertising -- is expanding its impact to recognize sustainable European productions. I was also in awe of a sustainability-centric Tage Studios to be opened in Lisbon, Portugal.
In noting the value of impactful storytelling, Debbie emphasized that conscious messaging is our norm and that we need to expand this norm outside Hollywood and California.
It warmed my heart to see recognition for this work gaining so much momentum, both here at home and beyond.
The Time for Change was Yesterday
It still provides a shock at times, but the reality that 2023 was recorded as the hottest year on record so far speaks to the challenges laid out before us.
While sobering at first, there is a call for celebration. Within the entertainment industry, Sunset Studios, gracious enough to host the EMA Awards on their lot once again, achieved carbon neutrality. This achievement led to them receiving the first EMA Green Seal for a studio lot. Very exciting! In addition, this past year saw over 300 EMA green seals, 318 to be exact! Further, we witnessed an increase in student green seals, totaling 45.
More industries are seeing the challenges a changing climate has on their operations, motivating changemakers to take action sooner rather than later. What comes to mind for this is the winner of the Documentary Series Downey's Dream Car. Presented by married environmental duo and EMA Board Members Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed, the award was given to the winning team, who made sure the point stuck during their acceptance speech, stating that "luxury performance and ecological awareness can co-exist."
The conversation made me see that changes in what we know can be made today and not pushed off to the distant future. We can create the changes that benefit us and the planet, wherever we are, with all we have.
Kids Need to be Kids
Another highlight that caught the attention of attendees for the evening was the realization that climate change impacts how children grow up. Today, we have climate refugees, where people are forced to leave their homes and communities due to natural disasters resulting from a warming planet. EMA Activist Board Member Genesis Butler discussed the phenomenon onstage, sharing that "we should let children enjoy being children instead of worrying about the climate crisis."
One of the youngest to ever give a TEDx talk at age ten, she started her activist career discussing the negative impact of animal agriculture on the environment. Genesis impressed everyone by sharing how she is leading a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency. The lawsuit, known officially as Genesis v. EPA, addresses the Agency for not doing enough to protect today's use from greenhouse gas emissions and how it impacts their development. The crowd cheered at how this young and bright individual is so driven to protect tomorrow's youth.
J. J. Johnson, creator of the Children's Television category winner Jane, paid homage to the great Jane Goodall for the inspiration behind the show. With each episode focusing on an endangered species and conservation, Johnson told the audience, "To Dr. Jane Goodall, thank you for inspiring us, knowing that nothing is impossible." I loved seeing this faith and ambition placed on and off-screen in the youth. With shows like Jane and activists like Genesis leading the conversation, there is hope in creating a safe and environmentally sound world where kids get to be kids and explore the natural beauty around them. I'm excited to see what they do next!
Climate Rescue Involves Us All
The evening continued with a musical performance by the iconic Sheryl Crow, a nine-time Grammy Award winner! So many had to hold themselves back from not getting out of their seats to dance to her classic hits! Sheryl and the legendary Jane Fonda gave insights into what living sustainably means to them and how they do their part to drive this impact forward. Each then honored Laura Dern, the 2024 EMA Ongoing Commitment Award recipient. As soon as Laura came on stage, everyone got out of their seats to give her a roaring applause. The audience felt Laura's gracefulness and warmth with a sincere tone and optimistic attitude throughout her speech.
She pointed out factors that must be discussed and confronted to make climate action viable far and wide. Recalling her experience as a young girl, she shared when she met President Jimmy Carter in the late 70s, when "he wanted to take the White House off the grid and put solar panels on the roof. "
Laura acknowledged those who historically have been reluctant to see climate action. She recognized the farmers in the middle of the country, moms in Alabama, parents who live near power plants in Kentucky whose children get sick, and those living on the coast of Florida, having ocean temperatures reach 90 degrees, killing local fish.
She shares that the key to this is community: "They are smart, caring people. And yet, still, not enough of them vote with us."
She proposes that we change the language with whom we engage, suggesting that it may be better not to name-call if we achieve a conversation that can positively impact the country.
"Let's accuse less and listen more. Let's invite everyone into this space, and let's tell stories about everybody," Laura went on to say.
She topped off her enlightening speech by reminding us all of the crucial truth: the soil and the ocean have the answers to save us, and it's best to leave them be. While our democracy is under threat alongside our planet, she noted that we will not come to a resolution as we let fear of the other drive our actions—every word she said while on stage was so powerful, no one could take their eyes off. We were all galvanized to try her approach.
Me at the EMA Awards!
In Conclusion
As hoped, this evening was one of great promise. Each year, I am amazed at the momentum that grows to make our planet safe and livable, especially in an industry that can take that message to all corners of the Earth. From Avatar: The Way of Water winning the award for Best Feature Film to EMA Board Member Ed Begley Jr. interviewing residents on the streets of Los Angeles about climate action with his TikTok famous daughter and EMA Activist Board Membe Hayden, the event was full of pleasant surprises and progress that give me a renewed hope and motivation to see what we can all accomplish this year!
2024 has just started, but our work is never-ending. Let's keep pushing forward!
I want to thank the Environmental Media Association, Toyota Motor North America, the sponsors, EMA's Board, and everyone who made the 2024 EMA Awards possible. Storytelling is a powerful tool to save our planet; your story matters!
I can't wait for the EMA IMPACT Summit this spring.
Written by Demitri Fierro, ISSP-SEA (MBA Sustainable Management)