Studios are trying to cut carbon emissions

Hollywood is trying to cut emissions by choosing clean energy alternatives for production sets, and Netflix is the latest example. The streaming platform has switched to battery-powered lights, solar-powered trailers, and EVs for studio and actors’ transport.

These changes are part of Netflix’s goal to cut its emissions to half by 2030. Its shows, like Stranger Things, Virgin River and Bridgerton, are testing production with green tech, including switching from diesel generators to cleaner power sources and hydrogen power units.

Studios like Paramount, Warner Bros., and Disney are also implementing different practices, like using alternative energy, LED lighting, and recycling materials.

But significant challenges remain
Netflix’s efforts have had mixed results. Their overall emissions increased in 2022 compared to 2019. It faces challenges because it doesn’t own most of the equipment or spaces where it films, making it harder to control emissions directly.

Fossil fuel-powered generators are among the entertainment industry’s biggest polluters, according to the Hollywood Reporter. But they power production.

While Hollywood may have a smaller carbon footprint than sectors like aviation or technology, it greatly influences culture. Entertainment giants could help push other companies to prioritize sustainability.

Need of the hour
Several major corporations set ambitious climate goals in the early 2020s, but as 2030 gets closer, they struggle to meet these targets.

Companies like Microsoft, Alphabet, Shell, BP and Amazon have either seen emissions rise due to factors like AI or have scaled back their climate commitments.