Hollywood‘s environmental impact remains a complex issue, with some studios and stars taking steps towards sustainability while the industry’s inherent resource demands present meaningful challenges.
The Walt Disney Company has set a goal to “purchase or produce 100% zero-carbon electricity” by 2030, as outlined in its 2023 sustainability and social Impact report. This initiative is part of a broader trend where some studios are making pledges to reduce their carbon footprint.
Several prominent figures in the film industry have been vocal advocates for environmental action. Actors like jane Fonda, Woody Harrelson, and Julia Roberts have actively championed wider environmental efforts. Additionally, Mark Rylance, Bill Nighy, and Hayley Atwell have lent their support to the implementation of a “green rider,” a measure designed to ensure sustainability practices on film sets.
Though, the substantial resources required for the production, promotion, and marketing of major film releases frequently enough place Hollywood’s operational logistics and prevailing mindset at odds with prioritizing environmental concerns.
Leonardo DiCaprio, a leading voice in Hollywood for ecological awareness, founded his foundation in 1998 with the mission to “restore balance to threatened ecosystems, ensuring the long-term health and wellbeing of all Earth’s inhabitants.” While DiCaprio has contributed financially to environmental causes and invested in plant-based companies like Beyond Meat and Hippeas, he has also faced criticism for his extensive travel, including attending the recent wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice.
The impact of environmental events on the entertainment industry has also been highlighted, with celebrities like Anthony Hopkins, Mel Gibson, Billy Crystal, Paris Hilton, and Eugene Levy experiencing the destruction of their homes in fires. Many others, including Meryl Streep and the late David Lynch, were compelled to evacuate their residences during such emergencies.
