CAMBRIDGE, MA (CelebrityAccess) – The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Environmental Solutions Initiative (MIT ESI) will conduct a comprehensive study of the live music industry’s carbon footprint, co-funded and supported by Warner Music Group (WMG), Live Nation (LN), and Coldplay. This collaborative effort aims to provide practical solutions to minimize the environmental impact of live music events across various scales, from local venues to large stadiums.
The study will initiate with a thorough research phase, resulting in the creation of an Assessment Report of Live Music and Climate Change. Focused on the UK and US markets, this report is expected to be finalized by July 2024. The objectives of the report include developing a holistic understanding of the relationship between live music and climate change, identifying areas for tangible improvements in emissions reduction at industry and audience levels, and offering a detailed analysis of the latest developments in green technology and sustainable practices.
MIT ESI, a leading climate, and environmental academic research and solutions group, will utilize its expertise and resources to recommend scientifically informed actions and policies that can be implemented and replicated across the entire live music industry to reduce its environmental footprint and establish a sustainable future for live events.
“I’m delighted to receive support from our funders to co-create recommendations for a sustainable future in music,” said MIT Prof. John E. Fernandez, Director of the ESI. “As well as jointly funding the research, I applaud the spirit of openness and collaboration that will allow us to identify specific challenges in areas such as live event production, freight, and audience travel and recommend solutions that can be implemented across the entire industry to address climate change.”
Coldplay, who launched their current Music Of The Spheres world tour with a pledge to cut emissions by 50%, has also made a world-first commitment to manufacture all physical records for their upcoming 2024 album from recycled plastic bottles.
Warner Music Group is dedicated to lowering carbon emissions, reducing waste, and aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. They will contribute their industry expertise, including internal data and insights, to support MIT in crafting this report.
“This support for MIT ESI represents WMG’s proactive approach to advancing industry-wide understanding of the climate impacts of the music industry and supporting our artists’ connections with fans worldwide,” said Olga LaBelle, WMG’s Vice President, ESG • Strategy Integration and Operations. “I’m pleased to be able to lend our scale and resources to further the industry’s understanding and approach to climate-positive outcomes.”
Live Nation, as a leading live entertainment company, is uniquely positioned to provide valuable insights. Their Green Nation sustainability division has experience in reducing carbon emissions, energy use, waste, and plastics at major events. Lucy August-Perna, Director of Global Sustainability at Live Nation, stated, “We look forward to sharing the report with industry partners and fans alike.”
The report will also address fan transportation, a significant contributor to emissions related to live music. In 2022, Live Nation, in collaboration with Coldplay and major public transportation providers, offered fans free or discounted rides to encourage green travel, resulting in a 59% average increase in public transport ridership on show days across four US cities.
