The Finnish music stakeholders have developed and released a joint climate roadmap for the live music industry. At the same time, the first study on the climate impact of live music in Finland was published. Climate change requires society’s ability and readiness to change practices, and the live music industry aims to lead the way towards carbon neutrality by 2035.
The climate roadmap for the live music industry in Finland and the study on climate impact were published on June 20, 2023, at www.viileamusiikki.fi. They were implemented as part of a broader project called “Carbon Footprint of Live Music” during the years 2022-2023.
Live Music Climate Roadmap: Cool is the New Hot
The mission of the climate roadmap is to create “the coolest music in the world.” Live music generates both handprint and footprint. While music is not the biggest polluter, it has significant potential for influence. Many music industry players are well-known and followed, and through their messages, they can accelerate the green transition.
The roadmap defines common climate goals for the industry and means to reduce negative climate impacts while increasing positive effects. The roles of different live music industry players in climate action are also outlined in the roadmap, specifying areas where each player can have an impact and providing recommended actions for each group. The entire industry is invited to commit to the common climate goals, and stakeholders can express their commitment by signing the pledge on the roadmap’s website.
Study: Climate Impacts of Live Music in Finland
As a foundation for the climate roadmap, the project examined the climate impacts of domestic live music in 2022. The calculations included a wide range of live music activities, such as festivals, venues, organizers, orchestras, bands, and musicians. The study utilized carbon footprint calculations provided by a total of 32 participants, the majority of whom were festivals. In addition to the data from these participants, other available carbon footprint calculations and statistical information were also utilized.
Authors and Partners
The “Carbon Footprint of Live Music” project is managed by the Finnish Jazz Federation as part of the broader “Carbon-Neutral Touring Model” project by the Jazz Federation (read more at www.jazzliitto.fi). In addition to Finnish Jazz Federation, the project’s partners include other members of the KEMUT (Sustainable Music Industry Toolkit) network: Finland Festivals, LiveFin, Music Finland, the Finnish Musicians Union, and the Association for Finnish Symphony Orchestras.
The roadmap and study were designed and executed by the sustainability agency Positive Impact Finland. The roadmap’s development also involved a working group consisting of music and environmental experts. The project has received funding from the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Finnish Music Foundation (MES), and its partners.
The full climate roadmap and study can be downloaded from www.viileamusiikki.fi.
For more information:
Project Coordinator Anu Ahola (Carbon Footprint of Live Music), anu.ahola@jazzfinland.fi / +358 50 569 0505
CEO Elina Levula (Positive Impact Finland), elina.levula@positiveimpact.fi / +358 44 024 0390
Executive Director Maria Silvennoinen (Finnish Jazz Federation), maria.silvennoinen@jazzfinland.fi / +358 50 536 749