The organization of Miss Earth opted for a virtual ceremony to crown the next Miss Earth 2020 due to the rise in the cases of the coronavirus in the countries. The competition begin on 21st September 2020 and the grand finale was held on 29th November 2020, where Miss Earth USA 2020 Lindsey Marie Coffey was virtually crowned as the new Miss Earth 2020. She has succeeded Miss Earth 2019 Nellys Pimentel of Puerto Rico for the title.
Lindsey is the first diva from the United States to win the title and has expressed her immense gratitude towards everyone who helped her throughout the competition. At a recent press conference, the diva explained that she would use the opportunity given to her to bring people together and educate and create awareness regarding environmental issues focusing on the climate change.
The diva who is also a Climate Reality Leader feels that the platform is an apt platform where she can help and create awareness regarding the climate change as it needs the necessary attention. "Being able to educate myself is one thing, being able to educate another is completely different. So, when I’m able to use my voice, use my platform to speak the truth and have the supporting evidence that is indisputable, that’s all we can do,” she said.
During the finale of Miss Earth 2020, Lindsey answered her question by stressing on how important the research is; she stated, “whenever you look up reputable resources and you present that evidence in front of you, you respect science. It’s hard to deny that.” She also emphasized that people should keep on pushing for what they are fighting for; “You just have to keep on pushing, keep speaking your truth and keep on having that passion because you cannot give up and that’s what’s most important, because that whenever change starts to occur whenever you’re resilient, then you do not give up."
Lindsey emphasised that she knows nothing happens over-night but she is keen on making the best use of her platform that is why she will continue to do what she feels is necessary for the society and environment and hope for the best outcomes. During the press conference, the diva was also asked about the newly elected US president Joe Biden’s plans to push for awareness on Climate Change, to which the diva mentioned that she is totally in support of the plans the president has laid out and she is very happy with the elections’ result this year.
The diva stated, “Having Joe Biden really pushing for climate change, wanting to re-join the Paris Agreement on his first day in office, I’m completely excited. And I have so much faith that we’re going to be able to turn this around as a country of influence. I’m hoping that we can enact change in other countries as well and to kind of influence them to just make brighter, better steps in order to have a brighter and better future.”
Along with being a Climate Change Leader, Lindsey is also the supporter and advocate for Mental Health and feels that she can connect with people who are under stress and help them in whatever way is possible. She aspires to build an animal sanctuary to empty the kennels and to rescue the ill-treated. The diva is actively using social media and reaching out to media outlets to make climate change a personal and social issue. Lindsey explains that when we relate climate change to each community, the residents see the impacts climate change has on their specific area. Also, by appealing to communal values like health, community development, and having a clean and safe environment the people will be more likely to action.
Lastly, she added, “I am encouraging others to get involved and be part of climate action. My hands-on community work will focus on areas that are hit hard with the effects of climate change. Showing first-hand work in these communities will create momentum for change.”