My life’s goal has been to call attention to the shocking increase in global temperatures and biodiversity loss, so I’m delighted that these topics are finally taking centre stage. It’s been a long time coming, but now it’s here, it’s a very a positive time to be alive.
Here I am back in the late 80’s filming for my first climate change documentary for Discovery Channel.
Climate Change Documentary
Since graduating with a degree in Biology back in the 80’s, my personal mission has been to tell the story of how life on earth can be sustainable for us humans – and I still believe that video is the best method of communication that we have. The dramatic story that I broke in a Climate Change documentary in 1990 was from looking at ice cores. The Centre for Ice and Climate at the University of Copenhagen saw that temperatures thousands of years ago were much less stable than now, and it’s our ocean currents that keep our current temperatures steady. Melt too many icebergs and fresh water will collapse the system and cause temperatures in Europe to plunge. Ice age here we come!
Global warming could lead to another ice age!
Founding Skylark Media
With that in mind, when I founded Skylark Media in 2005 it was to prioritise stories of environmental solutions. In the past couple of years, we’ve created videos about hydrogen power, carbon capture and even mycorrhizal fungi for soil health.
Every project is an opportunity for us to showcase our dedication to sustainability. From using eco-friendly filming practices to employing local talent, we ensure that our actions reflect our values. And by sharing our purpose with our clients, we not only create meaningful connections but also inspire a collective commitment to making a positive impact.
Becoming a B Corp Video Agency
In 2022 we were awarded B Corp status. This means we put people and planet alongside profit as a measure of success – something that’s easier to do for an owner managed SME without profit hungry stakeholders.
It’s clear that bureaucratic structures and entrenched processes in large organisations bring challenges in implementing change and adding sustainability to their mission. SMEs, unburdened by such complexities, can innovate more rapidly, implementing eco-friendly technologies and practices that can have a profound impact on their environmental footprint.
Why SMEs can lead the way to a greener future
Climate breakdown across the world reminds us of the urgent need for collective action, and SMEs are proving to be nimble actors in this scenario. By incorporating sustainable practices into their core values, B Corp video production companies like ours are setting an example for larger organisations. The commitment to green initiatives isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s a fundamental aspect of our identity.
SMEs, particularly those embracing the B Corp philosophy, are taking centre stage in the journey towards a greener future. Events like COP prompt global discussions on sustainability, these agile and mission-driven enterprises are proving that size is not a limitation when it comes to making a positive impact. Through our commitment to embedding sustainability from the outset, B Corp companies are not just producing outstanding work; they are crafting a narrative for a better, more sustainable world.
For the Skylark team, sustainability isn’t just a checkbox; it’s the lens through which we approach everything. By effectively communicating our purpose, we foster a culture of awareness, creating a ripple effect that goes far beyond our immediate reach.
For more insights or to collaborate on your next sustainable video project, reach out to us at [email protected]. Let’s create impactful stories that drive positive change.
How SMEs can do their bit:
- Get people and planet legally embedded in the governance of your company as early as possible, so that this can be preserved even through exit transactions or acquisitions
- Add social and environmental performance to your job descriptions so everyone knows that they need to play their part
- Look at where your suppliers are and opt for local talent
- Invest in sustainability eg: recycling, reducing business travel, sourcing ethically
- Make sure any cloud data storage or website hosting uses green energy
- Build sustainable behaviours by getting everyone in the company to find out their giki score
Jo Haywood
Jo founded Skylark Media in 2005 after carving out a career making climate change documentaries for the BBC and Discovery Channel. She is an environmental campaigner and avid tree-planter, now CEO of Skylark.