United by Nature takes over EMA’s legacy and awards program

United by Nature will carry forward the Environmental Media Association’s nearly 40-year legacy, continuing its signature programming and launching the United by Nature Awards in Los Angeles in April 2027. The move expands the focus beyond Hollywood to music, sports, podcasts and universities while preserving EMA’s sustainability work in entertainment.

Why it matters: - United by Nature is absorbing a long-running Hollywood environmental platform and broadening its reach beyond entertainment. - The transition keeps EMA’s sustainability-focused awards and programming alive while aiming to bring conservation messaging to new audiences. - The shift comes as environmental groups continue looking for culture-driven ways to build public support for conservation.

What happened: - United by Nature announced that it will carry forward the Environmental Media Association’s legacy on October 28, 2026. - The organization will continue EMA’s signature programming and host the inaugural United by Nature Awards in Los Angeles in April 2027. - The awards show will coincide with Earth Month.

The details: - EMA spent nearly four decades pushing environmental issues into Hollywood and mainstream culture. - The organization worked with entertainment figures through educational initiatives, industry partnerships and events such as the IMPACT Summit. - United by Nature said it will build on EMA’s programs and relationships to connect entertainment storytelling with its conservation movement. - The United by Nature Awards will still honor environmental leadership in entertainment. - The expanded awards program will also recognize people and organizations in music, sports, podcasts and universities. - Past EMA honorees include Billie Eilish, Michael Bloomberg, Jane Fonda, Ted Turner, Natalie Portman, Matt Damon and Laura Dern. - The United by Nature Green Seal recognizes industries that take steps to reduce their environmental footprint. - The Green Seal is the established sustainability standard for sustainable film and television production in entertainment. - Wildwood, an animated fantasy film from LAIKA Studios, is the first movie to receive the United by Nature Green Seal. - Wildwood earned the Gold tier, and LAIKA Studios became the first studio to earn the distinction. - The film joins nearly 3,000 other productions recognized for sustainability efforts. - United by Nature’s work is centered on building a more nature-connected generation and making conservation a shared part of American culture. - More information is available at United by Nature.

Between the lines: - The move suggests United by Nature wants EMA’s cultural credibility while reaching beyond Hollywood’s traditional audience. - Debbie Levin’s new role as chief visionary officer signals continuity between the former EMA leadership and the new organization. - The broader awards categories point to a strategy of using entertainment culture as one part of a wider conservation network.

What’s next: - The first United by Nature Awards are scheduled for April 2027 in Los Angeles. - United by Nature is expected to use the EMA platform to expand its conservation messaging across entertainment and other sectors. - The organization will continue promoting the Green Seal as a marker of sustainable production.

The bottom line: - United by Nature is preserving EMA’s environmental Hollywood legacy while turning it into a broader national conservation platform.