Carbon soundings: Greenhouse gas emissions of the UK music industry

Over the past decade, questions regarding how to reduce human contributions to climate change have become more commonplace and non-nation state actors - such as businesses, non-government organizations, celebrities - have increasingly become involved in climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives. For these dynamic and rapidly expanding spaces, this letter provides an accounting of the methods and findings from a 2007 assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the UK music industry. The study estimates that overall GHG emissions associated with the UK music market are approximately 540 000 tCO₂e per annum. Music recording and publishing accounted for 26% of these emissions (138 000 tCO₂e per annum), while three-quarters (74%) derived from activities associated with live music performances (400 000tCO₂e per annum). These results have prompted a group of music industry business leaders to design campaigns to reduce the GHG emissions of their supply chains. The study has also provided a basis for ongoing in-depth research on CD packaging, audience travel, and artist touring as well as the development of a voluntary accreditation scheme for reducing GHG emissions from activities of the UK music industry.