LONDON (CelebrityAccess) – The Independent Music Companies Association (IMPALA) has today (Nov. 29) announced UK organization Music Declares Emergency (MDE) as the recipient of its 2019 Outstanding Contribution Award.
Earlier this year, MDE declared a climate and ecological emergency. The initiative – which has garnered support from over 1250 artists (Radiohead, Billie Eilish, Massive Attack, The 1975, Robyn, and others), more than 600 companies and organizations, and over 500 individual music industry professionals and music fans – has since been very vocal in calling for greater government action on climate change, while also pushing the wider music industry to become “ecologically sustainable and regenerative”.
Speaking about the award, IMPALA executive chair Helen Smith said: “This movement seizes the power of the music sector to take action and inspire change. It is important to join forces and to encourage collective action for climate. IMPALA’s award recognises the unique role this project plays in the call for emergency action to protect the future of our planet.
A Music Declares Emergency spokesperson added: “The response of the UK music industry, and others outside of the UK to our declaration has been overwhelming and extremely encouraging. We believe that music can change cultures and be a positive force. It is urgent to understand the gravity of the climate crisis. It is our responsibility to call on government and to act. Our ambition is to accelerate collaboration to have a real impact on these critical targets, now. We all need to play our part in combating the climate crisis and to receive European recognition from IMPALA is a moment of real importance for Music Declares Emergency.”
