Elton John, Jack Johnson, Milky Chance Receive German Sustainability Awards

Elton John speaks to the few distanced guests, mostly politicians from the German government, which supports the award.
Christian Koester – Elton John speaks to the few distanced guests, mostly politicians from the German government, which supports the award.
John was awarded for The Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The 13th German Sustainability Award Ceremony took place Dec. 2-3, honoring artists for their commitments aimed at making life on earth more sustainable.

In cooperation with the German government, the award honors “the best concepts against global warming, overuse of resources, extinction of species and social division,” according to the announcement.
The ceremony took place without audience due to government restrictions in place.
Honorees include German duo Milky Chance for their commitment to climate-neutral and sustainable touring and recording, Joy Denalane, the first German Motown-signee in history, for raising her voice against discrimination, racism and stigmatization of people at home and abroad, and for having done so over many years now.
Sir Elton John was awarded for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which is “one of the top ten philanthropic donors of HIV/AIDS aid worldwide,” according to the announcement.
Jack Johnson was honored for his commitment to protecting marine life and the conservation of nature in numerous projects and initiatives.
The Next Economy Award went to German singer and entrepreneur Fynn Kliemann, the founder of sustainable and fair clothing brand Oderso.
Further honorary prize winners, who weren’t present on the night, include  Prof. Ugur Sahin and Dr. Özlem Türeci for the development of the first COVID vaccine, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, and U.S. futurologist Jeremy Rifkin.
Joy Denalane.
Christian Koester – Joy Denalane.
The first German artists to ever get signed to the prestigious Motown label.

Live performances came from Joy Denalane, Jack Johnson via stream and Milky Chance. 

“Other emotional highlights,” according to Stefan Lohmann, artist relations manager of the German Sustainability Award, “were the laudations and thank you speeches, as well as the short film documentaries about the artists’ commitment. This year, I am particularly pleased about the great variety of commitments. After all, sustainability is not only about ecology and environmental protection, but also about social justice, equality, inclusion and human rights. It is about achieving the global sustainability goals.”
The German Sustainability Award receives funding from the German government. The 13th edition took place at Düsseldorf’s Maritim Hotel.