By Zahra Lohoue, George School, and Grace Morrison
It’s time for Hollywood to step up, and take action to address the climate crisis. With social media and the culture of the digital age, celebrities are at the center of the spotlight on and off stage. Their spotlight should be used to highlight issues around the world, such as the climate crisis. Although the news covers natural disasters caused by climate change, information about the crisis does not end up on many social media users’ feeds, therefore celebrities should use their large platforms to raise awareness and reach the masses. A few celebrities, such as Shailene Woodley, Alan Horn and James Cameron, understand the immediate dangers of the climate crisis and are taking action, which is a step in the right direction.
“Big Little Lies” star, Shailene Woodley, is a climate activist, because she knows that the climate crisis is also connected to two issues she cares about: social justice and mental health. She dreams of one day having kids, and she feels that it is her duty to make the world a better place for them. Even though she uses social media to encourage others to take action, she believes that the strongest changes are made off of social media. In 2017, Woodley and many others were arrested while protesting the Dakota Access pipeline. During the summer of 2019, she spent three weeks on a boat studying micro-plastic in the ocean. Woodley’s most recent climate action has been working with American Express on their new sustainability policy, as she believes that everyone has to work together in order for change to occur.
While Woodley utilizes social media, Alan Horn raises awareness through the big screen. Horn is a co-chairman of Walt Disney Studios, and is also a chairman of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). He was one of the minds behind the Environmental Media Association (EMA), which encourages creators to incorporate environmentalism themes into their work. The NRDC also encourages creators to focus on the environmental issues, urging artists to think out of the stereotypical apocalyptic/Sci-Fi thriller box when it comes to the climate. Horn is a perfect example of someone educated on the topic of climate change, who uses their influence to create upstanding policy.
Despite the hard work of activists, money still outweighs the forces of social good in the entertainment industry. The climate crisis is considered a dejected subject that writers do not want to address and to which audiences prefer not to pay attention. For example, James Cameron, director of “Avatar,” directed a show about climate change titled “Years of Living Dangerously,” which won an Emmy, but was canceled shortly after. At the moment, the creative industry is run by older generations who like to see the same style of work, and do not tolerate the change presented by younger generations. There is hope, though, for young activists and creators to create moving pieces of work and spark change, since storytelling has a large impact on people. This unique and powerful ability time and time again proves that the entertainment industry has the power to change minds, and hopefully minds will be changed about the climate crisis, and sooner rather than later.
Image by Ellie Gibson, George School
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