MIT Climate Machine Releases Report on Total US and UK Live Music Emissions

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Climate Machine has shared its first in-depth report on carbon emissions produced by live music in the US and UK. The study is based on data gathered in 2023.

Background:

• 80,000 events across the US and the UK were analyzed.

• The report explores various aspects of the industry, including trucking, energy, food and beverage consumption, water, waste, fan travel, artist and crew travel, accommodation, and freight.

• Live music accounts for 0.2% of total emissions in the US and 1.1% in the UK.

Key findings:

• Fan travel is the largest producer of carbon emissions, making up 77% in the UK and 62% in the US.

• Food and beverage is second with 16.9% in the US and 7.6% in the UK, due mostly to animal-based products. Switching to plant-based food could reduce emissions by over 40%.

• Trucking for tours makes up 14% of U.S. emissions, and air freight produces 35% in the UK.

• MIT provided 33 measures the industry can take to curb emissions, such as using solar battery systems, partnerships with low-emissions transportation services, and energy efficiency incentives for venues.

• Read the full report here.