Photo Credit: Bob Reyes
Australia is celebrating a remarkable achievement as Jessica Lane has been crowned Miss Earth 2024, succeeding Albania’s Drita Ziri and establishing herself as a global environmental ambassador. Known for her passion and deep commitment to sustainability, Jessica has already made waves by winning the prestigious “Darling of the Press” award for Asia and Oceania, solidifying her status as a standout in this year’s competition.
The 24th edition of the Miss Earth pageant, held on November 9, 2024, at Okada Manila in the Philippines, brought together inspiring delegates worldwide, all united by a common goal: advocating for positive environmental change. Among the distinguished final four, Jessica emerged as Miss Earth 2024. The other elemental crowns were awarded to Iceland’s Hrafnhildur Haraldsdottir as Miss Earth-Air, the USA’s Bea Millan Windorski as Miss Earth-Water, and Peru’s Niva Antezana as Miss Earth-Fire.
Jessica’s journey to the Miss Earth crown is rooted in her early years in Queensland, Australia, where a deep connection to nature was instilled in her from a young age. At only 11, she began her journey into environmental advocacy by volunteering with The Body Shop at Australia Zoo, supporting campaigns against animal testing. By age 15, she was working directly with animals and their handlers at the zoo, reinforcing her dedication to protecting wildlife and the environment.
Her environmental commitment was further shaped by her parents, who emphasised ethical awareness and instilled in her a love for marine life. Her father’s dolphin and seal swim experiences fueled Jessica’s affection for marine conservation, while her mother’s passion for sustainable practices helped her understand the importance of mindful consumption. Jessica’s grandparents also played an influential role, nurturing her appreciation for the environment through their artistic expressions and love of nature.
Today, Jessica is pursuing studies in Journalism, Creative Writing, and Publishing, intending to use storytelling as a platform for change. Through her academic journey, she became increasingly aware of the devastating impact of fast fashion on the planet. Her response was to advocate for sustainable fashion, proving that style and sustainability are compatible and powerful tools in the fight for a better future.
Jessica’s pageant career began with Miss World Australia 2023, where she reached the national finals and discovered a passion for advocacy and public speaking on a grand scale. This experience sparked her love for the stage and deepened her dedication to environmental issues. As Miss Earth 2024, Jessica is committed to embodying the spirit of Australia and showcasing the profound connection between the nation’s people, landscapes, and wildlife.
Throughout her reign, Jessica aims to lead initiatives focused on environmental education, inspiring others to adopt sustainable practices and promoting the importance of conservation. Her background in storytelling makes her uniquely suited to amplify her message, and her genuine love for the planet shines through in her advocacy. Jessica’s achievements are a source of immense pride for Australia, and her success resonates with those who share her vision for a more sustainable world.
We are thrilled to see Jessica Lane take her place on the global stage. As a true champion for our planet, Jessica is set to inspire a generation to protect and cherish the Earth. Congratulations to our new Earth Queen, an ambassador and advocate for a greener tomorrow!
