Introduction
Climate change is the biggest challenge facing humanity and the planet. It threatens to disrupt ecosystems, livelihoods, health, and security. It also poses a serious challenge to the music industry, which relies on energy-intensive activities and global travel to create and share music.
The music industry produces 405,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK every year, and the average touring DJ emits 35 tonnes of CO2 a year, which is 17 times higher than the personal carbon allowance.
However, the music industry also has a unique opportunity to become more sustainable and climate-friendly and to inspire millions of fans to do the same. Music is a powerful cultural and social force that can influence public awareness and action on climate change. Music can also help communicate complex and emotional aspects of climate change, such as science, ethics, emotions, values, etc. Moreover, music can foster creativity, innovation, adaptation, and resilience in a climate-challenged world.
In this article, we will explore how the music industry is tackling climate change in three main ways: by reducing its carbon footprint, by using its music and platform to advocate for climate justice and solutions, and by experimenting with new ways of making and performing music in a climate-challenged world.
The Carbon Footprint of Music
The carbon footprint of music refers to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are generated by different aspects of the music industry, such as live events, touring, recording, streaming, merchandising, etc. These emissions come from various sources, such as fossil fuel combustion, electricity consumption, waste generation, land use change, etc.
The carbon footprint of music varies depending on the type and format of music production and consumption. For example, vinyl records have a higher carbon footprint than CDs or digital downloads due to the energy and materials required for manufacturing and distribution. Streaming services also have a significant carbon footprint due to the processing power and data transmission required for their operation. Live events and touring are among the most carbon-intensive activities in the music industry due to the travel and transport involved for artists, crew, equipment, and fans.
To reduce the carbon footprint of music, the music industry has been implementing various initiatives and innovations that aim to increase energy efficiency, use renewable energy sources, promote circular economy practises, and offset unavoidable emissions. Some examples are:
- Ninja Tune, an independent label based in London, has announced ambitious plans to become more sustainable by divesting from fossil fuels, installing renewable energy systems in its headquarters, and encouraging its vinyl pressing plants to switch to green energy.
- Beggars Group, another independent label group that includes 4AD, XL, and Rough Trade, has announced major new carbon reduction commitments that aim to cut their emissions almost in half by 2030 across their manufacturing, distribution, digital distribution, and business travel.
- Massive Attack, a British trip-hop band known for their political activism, has collaborated with scientists at the University of Manchester to create a roadmap for the live music sector to reduce its carbon emissions based on their tour data. Some of their recommendations include swapping private jets for trains, generating renewable energy on-site, using energy-efficient lighting and sound equipment, and including public transport in the ticket price.
- Earth Percent, a new initiative affiliated with Brian Eno, is aiming to raise $100 million by 2030 from the music industry itself to transition towards sustainability. The proposal is for artists, companies, and individuals to commit a small percentage of their revenue to Earth Percent, which will redistribute the money to organisations working on the climate emergency.
The Power of Music to Inspire Change
Music is not only a source of entertainment but also a cultural and social force that can influence public awareness and action on climate change. Music can help convey messages and emotions that are difficult to express through other means. Music can also mobilise people and communities to support causes and movements that advocate for climate justice and solutions.
Many musicians and bands have used their music and platforms to raise awareness and inspire action on climate change. Some examples are:
- Billie Eilish, a pop superstar who has millions of young fans around the world, has released songs such as All The Good Girls Go To Hell and No Time To Die that address the climate crisis and its impacts. She has also spoken out about the urgency of climate action and encouraged her fans to vote for leaders who care about the environment.
- Coldplay, a British rock band that has sold over 100 million records worldwide, has announced that they will not tour until they can find a way to make their concerts environmentally beneficial. They have also donated funds to support environmental causes and organisations, such as ClientEarth and Global Citizen.
- The 1975, another British rock band that has a huge global fanbase, has collaborated with Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate activist, and leader of the Fridays for Future movement, to release a song that features her speech on the climate emergency. They have also pledged to plant a tree for every ticket sold for their upcoming tour.
- Olivia Rodrigo, a rising pop star who has broken several streaming records with her debut album Sour, has expressed her support for the Green New Deal, a proposed package of policies that aims to address climate change and economic inequality in the US.
10 Songs About Climate Change
Music can also be a powerful way of expressing the causes, impacts, and solutions of climate change through lyrics, melodies, and rhythms. Music can help convey messages and emotions that are difficult to express through other means. Music can also inspire and mobilize people and communities to take action on climate change. Here are 10 songs from different genres and eras that address climate change in various ways:
1. Marvin Gaye – Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) (1971).
A soulful classic that laments the environmental degradation caused by human activities, such as pollution, overpopulation, and resource depletion.
2. Gojira – Global Warming (2005).
A metal fury that expresses the anger and frustration of witnessing the destruction of the planet by climate change and human greed.
3. Childish Gambino – Feels Like Summer (2018).
A catchy R&B song that subtly alludes to the environmental consequences of rising temperatures, such as wildfires, water scarcity, and animal extinction.
4. Neil Young – After the Gold Rush (1970).
A folk rock masterpiece that depicts a dystopian future where humanity has ruined the earth and has to escape to another planet.
5. Joni Mitchell – Big Yellow Taxi (1970).
A pop folk anthem that warns about the loss of nature and biodiversity due to urbanization and development.
6. Radiohead – Idioteque (2000).
A haunting electronic song that evokes a sense of panic and urgency in the face of an impending climate catastrophe.
7. Alessia Cara – How Far I’ll Go (2016).
A pop song that was featured in the Disney animated movie Moana, which tells the story of a young Polynesian girl who embarks on a journey to restore the balance of nature and save her island from a curse.
8. Billie Eilish – All The Good Girls Go To Hell (2019).
A dark pop song that addresses the climate crisis and its impacts, such as floods, fires, and storms.
9. The 1975 feat. Greta Thunberg – The 1975 (2019).
A spoken word song that features the speech of the Swedish climate activist and leader of the Fridays for Future movement, Greta Thunberg, on the climate emergency and the need for radical action.
10. Pixies – Monkey Gone to Heaven (1989).
An alternative rock song that links environmental issues such as ozone depletion and ocean pollution with biblical references and numerology.
In addition to individual artists and bands, there are also campaigns and movements that have mobilised musicians and fans to support climate causes. Some examples are:
- Music Declares Emergency is a collective of artists, music industry professionals, and organisations that have declared a climate and ecological emergency and called for immediate action from governments, the media, and the public. Some of the artists who have signed the declaration include Radiohead, Foals, The xx, Thom Yorke, etc.
- Live Earth was a series of concerts held across the world in 2007 to raise awareness and funds for climate change solutions. The concerts featured performances by Madonna, Metallica, Kanye West, Shakira, etc.
- 24 Hours of Reality is an annual global broadcast event hosted by former US Vice President Al Gore and his organisation, The Climate Reality Project. The event features musical performances, celebrity appearances, and presentations on the science and solutions to climate change.
The Future of Music in a Climate-Challenged World
Climate change is not only a problem but also an opportunity for the music industry to explore new ways of making and performing music in a climate-challenged world.
Music can foster creativity, innovation, adaptation, and resilience in response to changing environmental and social conditions.
Some musicians and bands have experimented with new ways of making and performing music that is more sustainable and climate-friendly. Some examples are:
- Livestreaming is a form of online broadcasting that allows artists to perform live from anywhere in the world without travelling or using physical venues. Live streaming can reduce the carbon footprint of live events and reach a wider audience. Some artists who have used live streaming include Nick Cave, BTS, Dua Lipa, etc.
- Virtual reality is a technology that creates immersive and interactive experiences that simulate physical presence in a virtual environment. Virtual reality can enhance the musical experience and create new possibilities for artistic expression. Some artists who have used virtual reality include Björk, Gorillaz, Marshmello, etc.
- Localism is a movement that promotes local production and consumption of goods and services. Localism can reduce the environmental impact of global trade and transport and support local communities and cultures. Some artists who have embraced localism include Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, Lorde, etc.
Some trends and predictions for the future of music in a climate-challenged world are:
- Green touring is a practise that aims to make touring more sustainable by using renewable energy sources, reducing waste generation, promoting public transport, etc.
- Low-carbon streaming is a practise that aims to make streaming more sustainable by using renewable energy sources, improving data efficiency, reducing device consumption, etc.
- Climate-themed music is a genre that addresses the causes, impacts, and solutions of climate change through music. Climate-themed music can raise awareness, inspire action, and express emotions related to climate change.
Some tips and advice for musicians and fans on how to make their music more sustainable and climate-friendly are:
- Choose green energy suppliers for your home or studio.
- Use energy-efficient equipment and devices for your music production and consumption.
- Opt for digital or recycled formats for your music distribution and purchase.
- Support local and independent artists and venues.
- Travel by public transport, bike, or carpool to attend live events.
- Join or support campaigns and movements that advocate for climate justice and solutions.
Conclusion
Climate change is a serious challenge for the music industry but also an opportunity to become more sustainable and climate-friendly. The music industry can reduce its carbon footprint by implementing various initiatives and innovations that aim to increase energy efficiency, use renewable energy sources, promote circular economy practises, and offset unavoidable emissions.
The music industry can also use its music and platform to advocate for climate justice and solutions by raising awareness, inspiring action, and expressing emotions related to climate change.
Moreover, the music industry can experiment with new ways of making and performing music that is more sustainable and climate-friendly by fostering creativity, innovation, adaptation, and resilience in a climate-challenged world. The music industry has the potential to lead consumer culture into a green recovery and help address the climate emergency in profound ways.
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