“I’m thrilled to work with REVERB to make climate action part of my tour and everything I do,” Billie Eilish said in a statement. “We face a climate emergency, and we all have a responsibility to spread that call to action.”
The campaign identifies three main areas of action that can be taken. These include reducing carbon footprints, supporting carbon-fighting projects, and using artists’ voices to demand equitable change for all.
REVERB has worked to reduce environmental impact on over 350 tours and 6000 concerts since its founding in 2004. The organization was founded by Lauren Sullivan and her husband Adam Gardner from the American band Guster. Its earliest partners include Jack Johnson, Maroon 5, John Mayer, and Barenaked Ladies.
“The Music Climate Revolution is our call to action to the music industry and the start of a larger effort to push world leaders to take stronger climate action,” Gardner said in a press statement. “It’s time to be thinking bigger and bolder. We aim for a future where every concert grows a forest, every record release supports clean drinking water, and every tour builds rooftop solar on low-income housing.”
Since 2004, REVERB has eliminated 180,000 tonnes of CO2 and 4 million single-use water bottles from tours. As well, the group has supported over 2000 family farmers and funded over 120 carbon-fighting projects. In 2019, REVERB became the UN Environment Program’s official Music and Public Engagement Partner.
“I’m excited to see more artists and music businesses commit to climate action,” said Johnson in a statement. “I’m proud of the environmental efforts that our band, crew and fans have made over the years, and this momentum in the music industry is growing quickly.”
REVERB hopes to spark the creation of climate-friendly tours through efforts such as providing plant-based food options at concession stands, eliminating all single-use plastic sales at concerts, and using sustainable farm food for catering.
Several artists have begun working with REVERB to ensure that they are playing a role in tackling the climate crisis. Dave Matthews Band will be planting one million trees, and Mendes has committed to making all of his future tours carbon negative. The Lumineers have also announced their support for REVERB and commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of their future tours.
Jeremiah Fraites of The Lumineers said in his statement that “music can inspire large numbers of people to take actions that add up to real change.” In 2020, the Lumineers eliminated 150% of its carbon footprint, making it the world’s first-ever climate-positive tour. The band has committed to surpassing that decrease during their 2022 European tour.
There have also been commitments made from the business side of the music industry. Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, New York says they will make their 2021 concert season climate positive. As well, management groups Warner Music Nashville and Activist Artists Management have promised to reduce their carbon footprint.