The UK’s live music sector is gearing up to deliver climate action, as organisations from across the sector engage in events at COP26.
UMA Entertainment, DF Concerts, Julie’s Bicycle, Musicians In Exile, Enter Shikari, and Brian Eno are some of the many individuals and organisations hosting climate-related events, highlighting the crucial role live music can play in driving meaningful progress to address the climate emergency.
Events includes a series of Concerts for Climate set up by DF Concerts in conjunction with environmental charity Project Zero, the proceeds of which will go towards funding a global network of ocean sanctuaries. UMA Entertainment is also hosting a day of live music, DJ sets, and talks focusing on the intersection of culture and climate, exploring how music and entertainment deliver progress in the fight against climate change.
The events follow the announcement that all 13 association members of LIVE have ratified the Beyond Zero Declaration – a voluntary commitment to deliver measurable and targeted action on climate change, with the aim of reaching net zero emissions across the sector by 2030.
Over the course of 2022, LIVE Green will campaign to support the sector’s transition to a regenerative future, including the launch of a free-to-access resource hub and industry-wide measurement of CO2 emissions.
This will be bolstered by sector-specific research and expertise to identify how live music businesses can accelerate their transition to a low carbon future.
John Langford, AEG Europe COO and Chair of LIVE Green, said:
“Music has the power to create change – and the looming climate emergency requires all of our support.
“It’s fantastic to see the live music sector represented in such a positive way at COP26, and this is a great sign of things to come as we build on the progress we have made so far to set out a clear path for to decarbonisation across the sector.”
LIVE Green builds on significant efforts across the sector to boost sustainability, ranging from the end of single use plastic at festivals to sector wide efforts to reduce the environmental impact of touring.
Live music touches every area of the country, with grassroots venues, artists, and major events and venues across the UK. In addition, there is a web of supply chain links that sustain the sector with 33.7 million people attending live music events in the UK – making the case for sustained action on climate change even more critical.
Events at COP26 range from performances from a children’s eco-choir to grassroots projects highlighting solutions for the climate crisis, highlighting what needs to happen at COP26 and how the role to be played by the sector. A full list can be found here.
