From stadium stages to social media platforms, musicians are increasingly using their influential voices to sound the alarm on environmental issues.
As climate change and ecological concerns take center stage globally, artists across genres are responding. They are moving beyond merely singing about nature to become powerful advocates for environmental protection. Through benefit concerts, sustainable touring practices, and direct activism, these musicians are turning their star power into a force for planetary good.
In this article, we will explore the most prominent musical voices in environmental activism.
How Is Climate Change Impacting Musicians and the Music Industry?
Climate change is increasingly affecting musicians and the live music industry. This is particularly due to the environmental consequences of touring and the growing frequency of extreme weather events.
For example, in June 2023, Louis Tomlinson’s concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre was delayed when severe hailstorms injured seven attendees. Rolling Stone says that a month later, extreme heat at Ed Sheeran’s Pittsburgh show hospitalized seventeen fans for heatstroke.
That August, Beyoncé’s Washington, D.C. concert was halted for hours due to a lightning storm. This prompted her to spend $100,000 to keep public transportation running for delayed fans.
The effects aren’t isolated to a single genre or region. Noah Kahan faced two cancellations: one due to wildfire smoke last August and another this summer because of heavy rain.
Let us look at key areas where climate change impacts musicians:
- Touring Emissions: Travel by artists, crews, and fans—especially flights—contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Energy Demands: Concerts require enormous amounts of energy to power lighting, sound systems, and venue operations, increasing their environmental footprint.
- Merchandise Impact: Mass production of concert merchandise generates pollution and waste.
- Extreme Weather Disruptions: Heatwaves, storms, wildfires, and flooding are becoming more common, jeopardizing outdoor shows, fan safety, and overall tour schedules.
Additionally, musical instruments can expose musicians to toxic chemicals. Brass instruments often contain lead in soldering or alloys, posing risks of neurological damage with prolonged exposure. Meanwhile, wooden instruments use adhesives and finishes with formaldehyde, a carcinogen causing respiratory irritation.
A particularly modern concern is PFAS chemicals, often called “forever chemicals.” PFAS are used in thousands of everyday products, including guitar strings made with PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride). PFAS are highly toxic.
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to severe health risks, including cancers and organ damage.
Firefighters, for instance, repeatedly exposed to PFAS in AFFF (firefighting foam), have faced such alarming health impacts that they are now filing AFFF lawsuits. These lawsuits hold manufacturers responsible for the harm caused by AFFF and their failure to address the health risks linked to the foam.
TruLaw highlights that PFAS chemicals remain in the environment and the human body indefinitely, increasing the risks associated with long-term exposure. The health dangers are so significant that multiple studies have connected exposure to AFFF-containing PFAS to cancer.
Musicians at the Forefront of Environmental Activism
Environmental consciousness has emerged as a defining element in contemporary music culture. Several prominent artists have integrated ecological advocacy into their platforms:
Billie Eilish
At just 22, Billie Eilish stands as a musical powerhouse and an unexpected champion for animal rights.
Her impressive collection of awards – including nine Grammys, two Oscars, and two Golden Globe awards – speaks to her artistic impact. Yet perhaps her most meaningful legacy lies in how she’s transformed animal advocacy into something both approachable and trendy.
As someone who has followed a vegan lifestyle for nearly ten years, Eilish has worked to make the music industry more environmentally conscious. She also inspires fans to explore plant-based eating. Though raised vegetarian, she faced her own challenges in giving up dairy products.
As per Vox, in a candid 2023 interview with Los Angeles Magazine, she admitted, “With dairy, my God, did I love cheese and milk.” Her family’s gradual transition – starting with her mother, then her brother, and finally her father – helped shape her journey.
Her commitment deepened upon learning about animal agriculture’s environmental toll. The industry accounts for approximately 15-20% of global greenhouse emissions and occupies over one-third of Earth’s habitable surface, according to scientific studies.
Coldplay and The 1975
Leading bands are revolutionizing concert sustainability, with Coldplay and The 1975 showing how major tours can harmonize with environmental stewardship.
On their Music of the Spheres Tour, Coldplay achieved an impressive 47% reduction in carbon emissions compared to their previous stadium performances. This dramatic improvement came through their innovative use of BMW-supplied electric battery systems running entirely on renewable energy.
As per E+E Leader, the band’s comprehensive approach to sustainability extends beyond power solutions to include initiatives targeting waste reduction and plastic elimination.
Making history at The O2, 1975 partnered with A Greener Future and CUR8 to deliver the first-ever carbon-removed arena show. This groundbreaking event demonstrated that large-scale performances can maintain their grandeur while taking on environmental responsibility.
Ed Sheeran
British music superstar Ed Sheeran is backing his environmental concerns with bold action. BrightVibes says that he has launched an ambitious initiative to restore natural habitats across the United Kingdom.
During a BBC Radio London interview, the hitmaker revealed his strategy of acquiring extensive land parcels dedicated to tree planting and rewilding efforts.
Ed Sheeran brings refreshing candor to his environmental mission, openly recognizing the carbon footprint of his stadium tours. He also demonstrates a strong commitment to creating positive change.
He admitted that performing in cities worldwide isn’t the most eco-friendly career choice but emphasized his determination to make a difference. Sheeran’s deep connection to the British countryside and its wildlife serves as the driving force behind his conservation efforts.
Beyond land restoration, Sheeran promotes sustainability through personal choices. As per The Irish News, he was seen sporting lab-grown diamonds and sustainable footwear at the Met Gala. These fashion statements align with his broader environmental advocacy, showing how public figures can influence eco-conscious trends through both large-scale projects and individual choices.
FAQs
Q. What role does music play in promoting environmental awareness?
A: Music serves as a powerful tool for environmental education, especially among younger generations. It helps create emotional connections to nature and provides a creative outlet for expressing concerns about environmental issues. Musicians can use their art to communicate messages about sustainability and climate action in an engaging way.
Q. What is Adele’s connection to environmental causes?
A: Adele has ties to environmental activism through her association with Drop4Drop, where her close associate Simon Konecki serves as CEO. This organization focuses on providing sustainable water solutions globally and addressing water scarcity issues in various communities worldwide.
Q. How does Green Day support environmental initiatives?
A: Green Day has been recognized for its environmental advocacy, particularly regarding climate change awareness. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has acknowledged their efforts to use their popularity and public platform. They highlight environmental concerns and climate-related challenges through their influence.
As the music industry grapples with its environmental impact, artists are proving that their influence extends far beyond entertainment. Their actions demonstrate that cultural change and environmental activism are intrinsically linked. While musicians face criticism for their touring footprints, their ability to reach millions makes them powerful catalysts for environmental awareness and action.
The question now isn’t whether artists should be environmental advocates. Instead, it’s about how the industry can transform itself to amplify these voices while minimizing its own ecological impact. As climate change intensifies, musicians’ roles as environmental leaders may become as crucial as their artistic contributions.
