When we incepted and commissioned the ACT 1.5 project in 2019, we did so with one core objective: to help decarbonise live music at a rate compatible with the critical Paris 1.5 agreement commitments.
Working with climate scientists & analysts from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, we planned 2 phases of work to radically move the dial to achieve that objective.
Firstly, a Phase 1 climate action accelerator outdoor show to test how far we could go in drawing down show emissions, and secondly, a Phase 2 model of work across a host city; to allow us to circumvent the stubborn obstacles that – despite all the talk – have kept greenhouse emissions rising in the live music sector.
Phase 1 was highly successful in terms of its stated objective: our scientific partners will report in full later this year, but the Bristol show is widely predicted to be the lowest carbon show of its sized ever staged.
Having reviewed our Phase 2 scheme of work, yesterday the United Nations declared our host city (Liverpool) the world’s first “Accelerator City” for its unprecedented action in urgently tackling greenhouse emissions in two of Liverpool’s most popular and growing sectors: major live music events and film/tv production.
This summer – the Earth’s warmest on record – UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres reminded the world that Paris 1.5 “is not a target, it is a physical limit”. Live music events and their touring cycles are carbon intensive & high polluting activities, and their incredible popularity cannot justify any denial of that limit.
We look forward to working with all stakeholders now – artists, fans, promotors, agents and events – to transform live music. Starting with our show in Liverpool this November, we hope the Liverpool ACT 1.5 pilots can aid that challenge into 2025 and beyond.
