An industry wide report has revealed the carbon cost of gigs and festivals, while also pointing to bands, venues and events as powerful change making forces.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Climate Machine has collaborated with Coldplay, Warner Music Group, Live Nation, and Hope Solutions on the first ever comprehensive analysis of live music emissions.
Focusing on the UK and US, more than 80,000 individual events have been assessed for their greenhouse has output. This includes measuring logistics and haulage, energy, food & beverage concessions, fan travel, water, waste, artist and crew transportation. In the UK, the sector contributed 1.1% of total emissions.
Key takeaways include:
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Fan travel is the largest driver of live music emissions, accounting for 77% in the U.K. and 62% in the U.S. across nearly all event types.
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Food and beverage ranks next, contributing to 16.9% in the U.S. and 7.6% in the U.K., driven largely by animal-based products. A shift toward plant-based menus could reduce these emissions by 40% or more.
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When fan travel is excluded, trucking and freight emerge as major contributors–trucking makes up 14% of U.S. emissions, while air freight accounts for nearly 35% in the U.K.
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Large-format shows, though fewer in number, generate a disproportionate share of total emissions, making festivals and stadium tours powerful catalysts for innovation and scalable climate solutions.
‘The research and analysis that has now resulted in the total greenhouse gas emissions attributable to live music in the UK and US marks a new anchor for meaningful actions. This detailed accounting of emissions sources and amounts guides a set of recommendations that point to a new era of emissions reductions and sustainability practices across all of live music,’ said Professor John Fernández and Dr. Norhan Bayomi, Co-Founders MIT Climate Machine.
The numbers were glared through a peer-reviewed research, existing industry reports and advanced analytical approaches. An Advisory Committee of more than 50 senior figures, including sustainability experts and music sector leaders, also contributed strategic insight.
‘This report gives the live music industry its clearest, quantified, picture yet of where touring impacts the planet most,’ said – Luke Howell, Founder & Director of Hope Solutions, MSI CEnv FISEP. ‘By taking data and evidence from across the sector, this study helps signal the need for practical, forward-thinking solutions that empower artists, promoters, and venues to focus on both measurement as well as take meaningful action to reduce their environmental impact.’
Image: Magnus Lunay / Unsplash
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