Tuning In to Sustainability: Music's Response to the Climate Crisis
There’s a lot to love about the music industry.
This diverse, fast-moving sector promotes global talent, encourages creativity, and provides us with access to our favourite artists and live performers.
However, there’s a pressing issue across the industry that’s frequently overlooked - and that’s its impact on the environment. While the environmental damage caused by the music scene may not be immediately obvious, that doesn’t mean it’s not a dire problem.
For example, a 2007 study found that the industry produced approximately 540,000 tons of carbon dioxide every year - roughly the equivalent of 140,000 cars driving around the globe. A whopping 74% of these emissions were also directly associated with live music events!
But fortunately, times are changing.
Awareness around climate issues has never been higher, and more and more artists, labels, and businesses are actively pushing for change in the music industry. Sustainability is now becoming a core priority rather than an afterthought, and this is crucial for the future of the sector - and the planet itself.
At Harmonic, we’re delighted to see these shifts occurring in the music industry. It’s our mission as a B-Corp to push for higher environmental standards, and we’re ready to support any company in the music sector looking to drive positive change.
In this guide, we’ll be exploring the environmental issues that have been plaguing the music scene; more importantly, we’ll be highlighting a few of the industry bodies that are creating innovative solutions, pioneering sustainability, and fighting the climate crisis.
What is the environmental impact of live music, and how are things changing?
As we’ve mentioned, live music is undoubtedly one of the most challenging areas when it comes to sustainability.
While live events are a magical experience for fans, they also involve extremely complex operations and logistics. Musicians, staff, fans, and equipment need to be constantly transported across long distances, while larger venues also require a huge amount of power.
All of this, unsurprisingly, leads to negative outcomes for the environment.
As just one example, private jets (frequently used by prolific touring acts) emit between 4.5x and 14x more CO2 than a commercial airliner. The desire for live music isn’t likely to disappear anytime soon, either - so what can be done for the environment?
What’s being done to reduce the environmental impact of live music?
Luckily, there are many signs of hope for a more sustainable future in live music.
Household names like Coldplay have already made massive strides to reduce the environmental impact of their shows. The band are aiming to reduce the CO2 emissions of their current tour by 50% compared to their previous one, and have also made significant adjustments to their logistics/operations, including:
- Using sustainable aviation fuel for air travel
- Building stages from lightweight, recyclable materials
- Generating show electricity through solar panels
Coldplay are leading by example in the sustainability department, and the trend is catching on. The O2, for example, has launched the ‘Green Rider’ - an initiative that will provide touring promoters/artists with a ‘guide for how live entertainment productions can reduce CO2 emissions, make more sustainable choices…and monitor their carbon footprint.’
Upcoming O2 shows for The 1975 will also act as pilots for carbon removal technology, with carbon being physically extracted and safely stored to reduce the environmental impact of the events.
What about environmental issues across the rest of the music industry?
Live music isn’t the only environmental culprit, however. There are many other sustainability issues to be resolved across the music industry, and it will take a collective effort to force change.
For instance, everything from distributing merchandise to printing album covers comes with an environmental cost, and for many years the music industry simply wasn’t focused enough on pursuing sustainable solutions.
Once again, while there is still a huge amount of room for improvement, many notable industry players have taken it upon themselves to lead the charge against the climate crisis.
In the world of music labels, independent Ninja Tune made the decision in 2021 to redirect funds/pensions away from fossil fuels, install renewable energy systems in its London HQ, and work closely alongside vinyl pressing plants to improve sustainability.
The same year, Beggars Group (including indie labels like XL and Rough Trade) also announced major carbon reduction commitments across vinyl/CD manufacturing, digital distribution, and business travel.
We don’t tend to think of vinyl printing and merchandise manufacturing as major environmental issues, but they all contribute to the climate emergency. If labels, promoters, and artists can all take small but meaningful steps towards sustainability, the cumulative effect will be enormous.
Which organisations are leading the way for sustainability in music?
Although there are plenty of environmental challenges to recognise in the music industry, it’s also important to acknowledge some of the great work being done in this space.
Below are just a few organisations that are making fantastic progress towards building a greener, fairer, and more sustainable music industry.
AEI Music/AEI Group
AEI Music is the only B-Corp-certified music company in the UK, which proves its commitment to creating a more progressive and sustainable future. The business has established several key sustainability objectives, including a switch to 100% renewable energy and a zero-single-use-plastics policy at live events.
Playing For Change
The Playing For Change foundation (another certified B-Corporation) offers accessible music programs and creative education to marginalised youths worldwide. The organisation does incredible work in supporting thousands of people with music and arts initiatives and also provides solar power (alongside vital humanitarian aid) to disadvantaged communities.
Altafonte
Altafonte is a B-Corp-certified global music and technology company that specialises in Latin music. The company partners with artists and labels to promote their work across 150+ streaming platforms, and focuses on creating a more equitable, humane, transparent, and sustainable music industry.
Julie’s Bicycle
Julie’s Bicycle is a not-for-profit with an important mission - to launch meaningful and impactful initiatives that help the music industry (and the wider arts community) tackle the climate emergency. The charity has pioneered some fantastic programmes, including developing a carbon calculator for independent labels/rightsholder businesses and distributing sustainability resources to cultural organisations across the UK.
Reverb
Reverb is a non-profit dedicated to tackling the environmental and social issues associated with live concerts. The organisation works closely alongside musicians, festivals, and venues to implement various eco-friendly initiatives - including eliminating single-use water bottles, fuelling tour buses with sustainable biodiesel, and donating food waste.
ClientEarth
ClientEarth is an environmental organisation working across industries, sectors, and borders to promote sustainability in the legal system. The charity works alongside policy-makers and legal professionals to implement positive change, and also collaborates with many music labels, artists, and managers to support eco-friendly initiatives.
Music has a unique ability to reach, engage, and inspire millions across the globe.
This means that artists, labels, and managers alike have an opportunity to raise public awareness around the climate emergency and lead by example.
The fight against the climate crisis will be a marathon, not a sprint - but fortunately, the music industry is already showing a willingness to make significant changes. Everyone from global acts to independent labels will need to play their role, but if the industry continues to move in the right direction, a more sustainable future is a real possibility!
If you’re looking for guidance on finding the best talent for a growing finance or operations team within the Music industry, please get in touch with Matt at [email protected]