Normalizing clean energy through motion pictures

Dear Ms. Yang,

As the Academy prepares for the 97th Oscars, we join millions in celebrating the artistry and imagination of the world’s greatest storytellers. However, even as we honor this work, we feel compelled to highlight a missed opportunity by the motion picture industry on an issue that affects us all. With political rhetoric and policy changes in Washington, the urgency of this crisis is only increasing.

Climate change and clean energy are under attack, and new policies are expected to hinder access to solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, secure energy independence, and lower energy costs. 

The Academy, which itself has set a powerful example with its commitment to sustainability (including your beautiful new museum!), can leverage its immense influence to counter the negative messaging. We ask you to encourage studios and filmmakers to consider integrating clean energy solutions into their sets, visuals, and storytelling. 

More than four million homes in the U.S. have solar panels. Yet how often do we see climate solutions like these on screen?  

Our shared reality unfolds against the backdrop of worsening climate conditions: devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, record global temperatures, and increasingly severe hurricanes. Meanwhile, political division threatens to roll back clean energy progress. With private industries playing a critical role in sustaining and accelerating change, media and the arts possess unparalleled power to shape public perception and behavior. Now more than ever, your role as cultural influencers is vital.

By showcasing solar panels, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and smart thermostats as everyday, mainstream elements of life—just as they already are—you can help accelerate their adoption worldwide. Together, we can use storytelling to create a brighter, cleaner future.

As a leading online marketplace and education resource for consumers seeking clean energy solutions, we see the impact that policy and media misinformation can have on the adoption of technology that can impact society. Here’s why this matters:

People emulate what they see on screen, but it must feel attainable. Featuring clean energy in media makes it feel tangible and accessible rather than futuristic. Hollywood mostly eliminated cigarettes in film, and it worked! We can do the inverse for clean energy.  

Normalizing clean energy shapes consumer demand, industry trends, and policy decisions, and media can counter misinformation by highlighting the real benefits of clean energy, including cost savings, energy independence, and environmental impact.

Our ask is simple:

1. Show Clean Energy as the Norm: Solar panels, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and smart thermostats are already part of everyday life—portray them that way. These technologies shouldn’t be treated as novelties or statements; they’re simply how people power their homes and get around. Normalize their presence by integrating them naturally into your content, just like any other household appliance or car.

2. Feature Clean Energy Stories: Create storylines and narratives that explore the transition to clean energy. Highlight real-life examples of individuals and communities embracing sustainable solutions.

3. Power Sets with Solar Energy: Consider using solar power to run your production sets. This not only demonstrates a commitment to sustainability but also showcases the practical use of clean energy in real-time production environments.

4. Partner with Experts: Collaborate with organizations like EnergySage to ensure accurate and up-to-date portrayals of clean energy technologies and their benefits.

At EnergySage, we are committed to making clean energy accessible and affordable for everyone. By working together, we can inspire millions to make the switch to sustainable energy solutions. Your influence is powerful, and your commitment to showcasing clean energy can make a significant impact.

The stories you tell today will inspire the changes we need for a better tomorrow. Together, we can build a cleaner, more sustainable world.

Sincerely,
Charlie Hadlow
President and COO
EnergySage