Environmental Media Association Summit

Storytelling for a Sustainable Future: My Experience at the 2025 EMA Climate Summit

Last month, I had the privilege of attending the 2025 Environmental Media Association Impact Summit in Los Angeles—a gathering of storytellers, scientists, and advocates united by one mission: to create a more sustainable future through media. As a lifelong environmentalist who just graduated from Chapman University’s Dodge College with my BFA in Documentary Filmmaking, attending this conference was truly a dream come true. It felt like my first step into the real world of climate storytelling—and reassured me that I had chosen the right career path. I was inspired to discover how many like-minded individuals in media shared my passion for environmental advocacy—and how they brought their passions to life. As cliché as it sounds, this experience was unforgettable.

From the moment I arrived, I felt a palpable energy of compassion—not just for the conference itself, but for the shared belief in storytelling as a force for change. The crowd was a diverse blend of scientists, activists, filmmakers, artists, and business owners. And while we came from vastly different fields, there was a unifying thread that ran through everything: a deep desire to protect our planet. I soon learned that sentiment could take many forms.

One of the first panels I attended was led by Peyton List, who interviewed the Executive Producer of PBS Nature, Danielle Broza, British Television Presenter and Disability Advocate, Sophie Morgan, and Wildlife Ecologist and Conservation Scientist, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant. Together, they explored the roots of their environmental passions, the impact they hope to make, and the power of media to inspire change. After the session, I had the pleasure of speaking with Danielle Broza, Executive Producer and head of PBS Nature. We connected over our shared love of nature programming, especially shows like Zoboomafoo and Wild Kratts, which shaped my early love for wildlife.

A major focus of the conference was how Los Angeles is recovering from the devastating wildfires this past January. In a presentation by SensoryAI, I learned how emerging technologies are being used to address climate-related disasters. Ryan Honary, the teenage inventor and founder of SensoryAI, explained how he developed an AI-powered sensor network that can detect and track wildfires—an innovation driven by both his passion for STEM and his personal connection to environmental loss.

I also attended a panel titled “Hands Across Los Angeles: How a City Bands Together After a Natural Disaster,” moderated by Jenna Dewan. Panelists reflected on the emotional and material losses caused by the wildfires—housing, stability, even identity—and how, in the wake of the disaster, communities grew closer through their shared experiences. Their reflections revealed how tragedy not only underscores the reality of climate change—but also its inevitability, and our shared responsibility to act.

Another inspiring session featured Miranda Cosgrove in conversation with Dr. Crystal Dilworth, Fionnghuala “Fig” O'Reilly, and Nicole Small. They discussed their work on the TV show Mission Unstoppable and the importance of empowering young girls in STEM fields. By making science accessible, inclusive, and exciting, their work encourages a new generation to believe they can help tackle climate issues and lead innovative change.

Throughout the day, the mix-and-mingle events gave me a chance to connect with speakers and guests, many of whom generously shared insights about their journeys, creative goals, and climate media strategies. Hearing how each person had taken their unique background—be it science, entertainment, or activism—and translated it into environmental storytelling was not only inspiring but also affirming.

Reflections & Takeaways

Attending the EMA Impact Summit helped solidify my commitment to climate media and storytelling, especially as I step out of college and into my career. I left with a clearer sense of direction, and with the reminder that the tools I’ve developed as a documentarian can—and should—serve a greater environmental purpose.

What stood out most was how each speaker had found a way to merge their talents with climate advocacy. It showed me that there is no single path to impact: whether through science communication, children’s media, narrative documentary, or tech innovation, there’s room for everyone to contribute.

At the end of the day, we all came from different places and professions—but the shared sense of responsibility and love for our environment transcended those differences. That realization gave me a profound sense of hope. Despite our varied backgrounds, we all envision a future where media serves as a powerful tool for education, healing, and climate justice. I’m more confident than ever that this is the world I want to help build—and now, I know I’m not alone in building it.