The Way Forward
The Way Forward
By K. Asher Levin (EMA, Creative Director)
After 3 decades of defining what climate action and sustainability means through communication in film/tv and beyond, this past year EMA took its biggest leap yet into this brave new world. Becoming true storytellers for the planet and embracing our role at the intersection of arts and science.
We can’t thank you enough for your support during an incredibly unpredictable 2020. As we look ahead to 2021 and moving forward, we are excited to announce our newest program EMA Talks will be expanding from bi-monthly to weekly chats with topics ranging from health and science to innovation, storytellers, consumer products/lifestyle, environmental justice, and spotlighting environmental NGO’s all over the globe.
We are also thrilled to grow our EMA Green Seal Program into the world of advertising, launching with a partnership with Anheuser-Busch for their Super Bowl Campaign.
And of course, together with our fabulous brand partners, we will create several moments throughout the year to celebrate sustainable living as well as a few surprise campaigns soon to be announced.
Additionally, we want to let all our wonderful supporters know we are working hard on a fresh and exciting plan for our two annual events, EMA IMPACT Summit and The EMA Awards and Honors Benefit Gala.
This will be a year that we finally have a consensus: the time is now for social and environmental equity, a shift bringing sustainability to the corporate board room, and government policy that mirrors our planet’s needs.
A Year of Historic Climate Action
With ambitious climate action from the Biden-Harris administration, grassroots organizations, global leaders, & more, we are determined that 2021 will be a critical year tackling climate change.
To celebrate Biden's historic climate plans in his First 100 Days, we want to look back at collective contributions by EMA alongside our incredible celebrity network & partners that catalyzed the environmental progress achieved today.
Environmental Justice
In 1996, EMA joined the NRDC to fight for environmental justice in Athens Park, emphasizing that hazardous waste dumps are most often located near low-income communities.
Further, EMA worked alongside the Coalition for Clean Air to develop an expansive media campaign to refocus public awareness on the poor air quality of Southern California.
Our EMA Green Seal had its 17th birthday this year & we are fully integrated with our EMA Sustainability Standard for Hospitality & Corporations.
Land Protection & Conservation
In 2002, EMA worked with the Alaska Coalition & The Wilderness Society, enlisting support in a bipartisan endorsement to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil exploration & drilling.
Our EMA School Garden Program celebrated 11 years in 2020.
Greening Our Cities
EMA created California Green Communities (CGC) with support from Southern California Edison in 2010, a community-based effort that encourages cities to use environmentally sound practices through water conservation, efficient transportation, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and other activities. CGC is widely implemented in cities across California, such as Claremont, Culver City, Riverside, & Simi Valley, to amplify their commitments and progress towards sustainability.
The Keystone XL Pipeline
In 2014, EMA produced a music video with Neil Young and Willie Nelson in association with Bold Nebraska for the anti-pipeline anthem “Who’s Gonna Stand Up”, to stop the Keystone XL Pipeline & Get Out The Vote for Election Day.
Additionally, EMA teamed up with Sierra Club in 2015 to push for the rejection of the Keystone XL Pipeline with a PSA featuring powerful members of our celebrity network, including Lance Bass, Malin Akerman, Daryl Hannah, Sara Gilbert, Emily VanCamp, Frances Fisher, Ed Begley Jr., Darby Stanchfield, Francesca Eastwood, Rachelle Lefevre, Dawn Olivieri, & Bryn Mooser.
Calling for an End to Fracking
As the first NGO to publicly call to action a ban on fracking in 2014, EMA produced “What The Frack", PSAs demanding an end to fracking with Hayden Panettiere, Lance Bass, Darren Criss, Amy Smart, Wendie Malick, Darby Stanchfield, Constance Zimmer, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Daryl Hannah, Julie Bowen, & more.
Opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline
In 2016, EMA supported grassroots movement opposing the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota. CEO Debbie Levin joined Board Members Frances Fisher, Ray Halbritter, Daryl Hannah, Nikki Reed, Ian Somerhalder, John Quigley, Shailene Woodley, Jane Fonda, and Mark Ruffalo in North Dakota to call for a stop in the construction of the pipeline. In addition to participating in the peaceful protests, EMA hosted speaker panels that were live-streamed on Facebook.
Each & every individual has a role to play in furthering climate justice & action. Thank you for every petition signed, conversation with family members, likes & shares to uplift marginalized voices, & more.
Our Most-Viewed EMA Talks Yet
EMA Green Seal Program
Now more than ever, practicing sustainability within all aspects of production is critical to combatting climate change & setting a strong example for the media industry. Check out the EMA Green Rider & apply today for the EMA Green Seal to certify & amplify the voice of your sustainable production!
EMA First Quarter Board Meeting
Our 2021 First Quarter Board Meeting was held over Zoom on January 27th, with strong engagement & brainstorming. Along with EMA's agenda for 2021, we focused on each Board Members' personal environmental missions for the year. It was inspiring & impressive, to say the least.
Ray Halbritter emphasized the strong impact that art has in taking care of our planet. Drew & Linda Scott celebrated installing solar in their house last week. Constance Zimmer strives to generate more environmentally-friendly activities for families to do together at home. All of our studio Board members united in pledging to support more EMA Green Seal productionsand increase messaging in content in 2021!
Social Sundays
With exciting climate initiatives stemming from the new administration, Social Sundays are more hopeful than ever in the EMA Community. Click the images below to share!
EMA Blog: Keep Up with Sustainability
Our mission is to provide a unified voice for our planet through entertainment, storytelling, and education.
With most shopping done online throughout the pandemic, AmazonSmile is tremendously helpful in funding EMA.
Click here for AmazonSmile and then search Environmental Media Association from its list of organizations. For eligible purchases at AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate to EMA, which will help fund our ongoing programs.