Environmental Media Association and Its Awards Show to Become Part of Nonprofit United by Nature

A new home for EMA

The Environmental Media Association, a Hollywood sustainability group active for nearly 40 years, is joining United by Nature. The nonprofit focuses on building the next generation of America’s conservation movement.

United by Nature plans to build on EMA’s educational initiatives, industry partnerships and events, including its Impact Summit and awards gala. Debbie Levin, EMA’s former CEO, will become United by Nature’s chief visionary officer.

Awards expand in 2027

The first United by Nature Awards are planned for April 2027 to coincide with Earth Month. The event will continue to recognize environmental leadership in entertainment while extending its reach to music, sports, podcasts and universities. Past EMA honorees include Billie Eilish, Michael Bloomberg, Jane Fonda, Ted Turner, Natalie Portman, Matt Damon and Laura Dern.

Green Seal gets new name

The EMA Green Seal will become the United by Nature Green Seal. It recognizes industries taking meaningful steps to reduce their environmental footprint. Wildwood, an animated fantasy film from Laika Studios, is the first movie to receive the renamed seal. It joins nearly 3,000 other productions recognized for sustainability efforts.

Leaders describe shared goals

United by Nature founder and CEO Benji Backer said the partnership would help reach new audiences and bring people from different backgrounds into efforts to protect nature. He credited EMA with using storytelling to shape culture and support environmental outcomes.

Levin said EMA had worked with the entertainment community for more than three decades to bring sustainability into cultural discussion. She said the partnership would continue that work and make sustainability more accessible and engaging.