Using Media to Promote Climate Education: An Interview with EMA Activist Board Member Isaias Hernandez (Queer Brown Vegan)
What is something that 4.9 billion people have access to in 2023? A vehicle? Healthcare? Education? Social media. More people than ever interact with a platform that connects them to others while exposing them to current events and world issues, one of the most prominent being global warming. So, for people under 18 living in the United States, only about 10% of climate education occurs inside the classroom, with the rest occurring online (Pearson). While this data reflects a flawed education system, it also conveys the power of social media; young people are not only using their digital platforms to share pictures of their pets but to raise awareness about current social issues.
One of the most prominent climate social media figures is EMA Activist Board Member Isaias Hernandez or the Queer Brown Vegan. Isaias is an experienced young climate activist who broadcasts his work on social media and has made considerable contributions to the global environmental movement. We spoke with Isaias to learn more about the significance of social media in climate advocacy.
What aspect of the media could be changed to enhance social justice advocacy?
I think we rely on art to reflect the world around us and show us what isn’t readily perceived on the surface. As we become more aware of our interconnected social and environmental crises, we’ll gradually become less interested in stories that aren’t rooted in reality. Media, like films and television, need to bring these stories out from the peripheries and go beyond token gestures like characters composting or owning an electric vehicle. There’s more than enough content, information, and experiences to tell rich and comprehensive stories across all genres. Diversity and inclusion evolved; it’s no longer just about having a black or brown character or lead actor but about how we center stories from these communities and backgrounds. I think climate storytelling needs to evolve in the same way.
EMA uses media to influence and educate millions about climate change. What does being an Environmental Media Association Activist Board member mean to you?
This industry has historically been guarded and gatekept, with a long history of exclusion and exploitation. That’s at least started to shift, even with so much more work to be done. We’re now in a very rare moment where young people are increasingly influential, and the missions of our movements are being taken seriously and recognized by establishments. EMA and its Activist Board help to bring this energy to new heights. Protesting or making political statements in Hollywood used to be illegal for many actors’ contracts, but now, taking a stance on important issues is an expectation. Being on the EMA Activist Board, as a queer, brown youth activist to me, is about representation for my communities and how the culture is evolving every day.
You said in a previous interview that “regardless of your income, your race, your status, your gender, everyone should receive an equitable education.” What role do you see social media playing in education?
Looking at the information from groups like Pearson, we see that young people are increasingly learning online. Only around 10% of climate education occurs in classrooms; most learning is through our media. While this is a failure of our education system and the powerful corporate entities that influence it, we’ve seen things like social media evolve to solve this problem. Instagram has gone beyond being a place to share cute photos; TikTok is no longer just teenagers dancing. We’re using these apps to actively engage people across demographics on topics that formerly were only covered in research papers. I don’t think social media can compare to in-depth analysis and the years of research that go into some work. Still, it helps get people started, especially with climate education.
You’ve spoken previously about a need for balance between older people and youth within the climate movement. What are some steps you suggest environmental groups take to achieve this balance?
One thing I’ve seen work incredibly well is the adoption of Gen Z or youth advisory boards. Doing so allows young people to regularly interact with older people, where members build relationships and exchange information exchanged. The Climate Mental Health Network and their Gen Z advisory board (which I serve on) have already helped expand the field of modern psychology by creating this type of relationship. On a larger scale, the EPA beginning a youth advisory council is another sign of this power.
It’s never happened in the history of the US government, but we are finally learning from past movements about the power of intergenerational dialogue.
What advice would you give an aspiring media influencer or environmental activist?
First and foremost, focus on your work and your community. Learn as often as you can and participate. It’s okay to want influence and a larger community, but if you can only equate that to numbers, you’ll miss out on how much this work offers. The people I know who are creating change and finding success in this space can do so without a platform. Create something, help change the world, and be confident in sharing that. You’ll inevitably find people that want to support you or are naturally interested in your journey.
Interview by Orlee Bracha