Massive Attack have released the findings of their partnership with the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, proposing a course of action for the “urgent and significant reassembly” of the music industry to combat the climate crisis.
Among the shifts required for “rapidly accelerated” progress are the immediate elimination of private jet use, a switch to electric transportation for concerts and festivals, and, by 2025, phasing out diesel generators at festivals. Other suggestions include “plug and play models for venues,” which would reduce the burden of transporting gear, and the standardization of equipment worldwide—all implemented collaboratively to support smaller venues struggling with the improved regulation.
In addition to tackling their own emissions, venues should switch to “energy tariffs that directly support renewable energy projects” in order to “support the overall decarbonisation of the electricity grid,” the report adds. Artists should plot tours with emissions in mind from the outset: “Super low carbon needs to be baked into every decision,” including “routing, venues, transport modes, set, audio and visual design, staffing, and promotion,” the report notes. Across the industry, carbon offsetting should be a last resort, employed only when further reductions are impossible.