Assessment Report of Live Music and Climate Change

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Environmental Solutions Initiative (MIT ESI) is conducting a comprehensive study of the live music industry’s carbon footprint, co-funded and supported by Warner Music Group (WMG), Live Nation and Coldplay. The report will suggest practical solutions to reduce the environmental impact of live music events at every level, from pubs and clubs to stadiums.

The study will kick off with an initial research phase, resulting in an Assessment Report of Live Music and Climate Change, focused on the UK and US markets which is anticipated to be completed in Summer 2024. This report aims to:

  • Develop a comprehensive assessment of the relationship between live music and climate change.
  • Identify key areas where the industry and concert goers can make tangible improvements to reduce emissions and drive planet-positive outcomes.
  • Provide a detailed analysis of the latest developments in green technology and sustainable practices.

Project Description

Assessment Report of The Media and Entertainment Industry and Climate Change,
Phase 1: Live Music in the UK and US (P1LM).

The P1LM aims to provide practical guidance in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the various stakeholders in the live music industry, including music festivals, in the UK and the US. As a first step, the P1LM must identify and describe the real drivers and barriers for effective climate actions that exist today.

Data Protocols: Use and Attribution

All submissions including quantitative data, qualitative information, and other content including interviews and all else to MIT from external parties, will be handled in accordance with the MIT Research Data Use Agreement.

Any material in the public realm collected and used in this project will be properly cited with full attribution of source and authorship and all other relevant information.

Governance of the Project

The work of the project is being conducted by a group of Study Participants, guided by an Advisory Committee and assisted by a group of Contributors. Roles and responsibilities of each group are described below.

Study participants are directly engaged in the production of the report. This includes writing and editing internal drafts, interim submissions to the Advisory Committee and the final version of the report.

The Advisory Committee is charged with reviewing progress and products of the study. The committee may advise on all aspects of the production of the report including offering all manner of commentary and guidance on the content and results of the work, general and specific suggestions on the methods of analysis and the presentation of findings, identification of others beyond the committee who may have valuable perspectives on the work, and more. The Advisory Committee will receive interim submissions of the report for review. Membership of the Advisory Committee will be by invitation only.

Contributors are organisations, individuals and other entities who contribute information, data, perspectives and other material for use by the researchers in the production of the report. Contributors will be listed in the final draft of the report and their contributions will be cited in accordance with specific instructions received by each. Contributors are encouraged to approach Fernandez and Bayomi with offers of assistance in the form of data and other information.