The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Climate Machine – with support from Coldplay, Warner Music Group, Live Nation and Hope Solutions – has released the first comprehensive annual carbon emissions calculation of the live music industry in the US and UK.
The study analyses data from over 80,000 events across the US and the UK, capturing greenhouse gas emissions across all major impact areas including trucking, energy, food and beverage consumption, water, waste, fan travel, artist and crew travel, accommodation and freight.
Though the live music sector accounts for just 0.2% of US emissions and 1.1% of the UK's total emissions, industry decisions can inspire broader climate action.
The report identifies key areas where both industry players and fans can take measurable steps to reduce emissions, considering the full lifecycle of events.
“Achieving meaningful progress will require coordinated action from artists, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and fans alike to drive scalable, long-term change,” stated the report.
Key findings include:
Fan travel is the largest driver of live music emissions, accounting for 77% in the UK and 62% in the US across nearly all event types.
Food and beverage ranks next, contributing to 16.9% in the US and 7.6% in the UK, driven largely by animal-based products. A shift toward plant-based menus could reduce these emissions by 40% or more.
When fan travel is excluded, trucking and freight emerge as major contributors – trucking makes up 14% of US emissions, while air freight accounts for nearly 35% in the UK.
Large-format shows, though fewer in number, generate a disproportionate share of total emissions.
Grounded in peer-reviewed research, industry reports and advanced analysis, the findings offer a data-driven view of live music’s environmental impact. An advisory committee of more than 50 senior leaders, sustainability experts and music industry veterans contributed strategic insights that shaped the report’s methodology and recommendations.
This data empowers us to continue taking smarter, more coordinated action in partnership with artists, venues and fans to preserve a strong future for live music
Lucy August-Perna
“The research and analysis that has now resulted in the total greenhouse gas emissions attributable to live music in the UK and US marks a new anchor for meaningful actions,” said Professor John Fernández and Dr Norhan Bayomi, co-founders, MIT Climate Machine. “This detailed accounting of emissions sources and amounts guides a set of recommendations that point to a new era of emissions reductions and sustainability practices across all of live music.”
“Live music doesn't just entertain; it shapes culture and connects communities,” said Madeleine Smith, senior director, ESG at Warner Music Group. “As we advance our sustainability efforts, we're committed to turning insights into measurable action – aligning purpose with performance, building resilience across the ecosystem, and ensuring that music continues to create shared value for artists, fans, and the planet alike.”
“Real progress starts with shared understanding,” said Lucy August-Perna, head of sustainability at Live Nation. “For the first time, the live music industry has a clear picture of where our collective impact lies. For Live Nation, this data empowers us to continue taking smarter, more coordinated action in partnership with artists, venues and fans to preserve a strong future for live music and the communities that support it.”
“This report gives the live music industry its clearest, quantified, picture yet of where touring impacts the planet most,” said Luke Howell, founder & director of Hope Solutions. “By taking data and evidence from across the sector, this study helps signal the need for practical, forward-thinking solutions that empower artists, promoters, and venues to focus on both measurement as well as take meaningful action to reduce their environmental impact.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Stevie Rae Gibbs
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