Exciting changes are on the horizon for the Environmental Media Association (EMA) as it joins forces with the nonprofit organization United by Nature. This strategic move marks a new chapter for the Hollywood sustainability group, which has been a beacon of environmental advocacy in the industry for nearly 40 years.
EMA’s Legacy and Mission Continues
Founded with the mission of fostering environmental awareness through entertainment, EMA has been instrumental in sparking dialogue across various platforms. Through educational initiatives, industry collaborations, and notable events like the Impact Summit and the EMA Awards Gala, the association has created a significant impact. Now, under the United by Nature umbrella, these programs and relationships are set to expand further. This partnership will culminate in the inaugural United by Nature Awards scheduled for April 2027, aligning with Earth Month celebrations.
Vision for a Broader Coalition
“Environmental progress requires a bigger coalition that’s more reflective of communities across America,” stated Benji Backer, founder and CEO of United by Nature. He emphasized the importance of storytelling, saying, “EMA proved how powerful storytelling can shape culture, unite people, and drive meaningful outcomes for nature. Together, we’re building upon that impact by reaching new audiences and inviting people of all backgrounds to protect the outdoors they love.”
Debbie Levin’s Vision for the Future
Debbie Levin, who had served as CEO of EMA, is stepping into the role of chief visionary officer at United by Nature. She expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “EMA has always believed in the extraordinary power of entertainment and storytelling to inspire environmental action. For more than three decades, we’ve worked alongside the entertainment community to make sustainability part of the cultural conversation. We’re proud of the legacy we’ve built, and we’re excited to work with United by Nature to reach new audiences and continue making sustainability more accessible and engaging.”
Recognizing Environmental Champions
The transition to United by Nature will allow the awards ceremony to honor not only the entertainment industry’s environmental leaders but also individuals and organizations from the realms of music, sports, podcasts, and academia that are effecting positive change. Previous EMA laureates include prominent figures such as Billie Eilish, Michael Bloomberg, Jane Fonda, Ted Turner, Natalie Portman, Matt Damon, and Laura Dern.
New Green Seal Initiative
In addition to expanding the awards, the well-regarded EMA Green Seal will be rebranded as the United by Nature Green Seal, which recognizes industries committed to minimizing their environmental impact. The first recipient of this new Green Seal is Wildwood, an animated fantasy film from Laika Studios, joining nearly 3,000 other productions that have been lauded for their sustainable practices.
Overall, this merger presents a promising opportunity to enhance environmental advocacy across diverse sectors, reinforcing the collective mission of nurturing and protecting our natural world.
