Massive Attack have teamed up with researchers to track their carbon output on tour.
With help from Manchester University's Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, the band have opted to be subject to research about their touring habits, and how they contribute to CO2 emissions by performing worldwide.
The researchers will map their output in four categories: travel, production, audience transport and venues.
The announcement comes via an op-ed by Massive Attack's 3D for the Guardian, where he states the band's concerns.
"As a band that has toured globally for several years, we've had cause to reflect on this," he writes. "Concerns over our own carbon impact and those of our wider industry aren't new to us, but the urgency is."
He goes on to say that there is evidence that shows 93 percent of emissions generated by live music events can be attributed to the venue power use and audience transportation. How the band will choose to tackle these emissions — if at all — is unclear.
Massive Attack have asserted that they do not intend to stop touring all together as a result of their findings.
"Given the current polarised social atmosphere, uplifting and unifying cultural events are arguably more important now than ever, and no one would want to see them postponed or even cancelled," writes 3D. "The challenge therefore is to avoid more pledges, promises and greenwashing headlines and instead embrace seismic change."
Last week, Coldplay also voiced their own concerns about the environmental impacts of touring. The band have pledged not to tour until they are able make their shows carbon neutral.
With help from Manchester University's Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, the band have opted to be subject to research about their touring habits, and how they contribute to CO2 emissions by performing worldwide.
The researchers will map their output in four categories: travel, production, audience transport and venues.
The announcement comes via an op-ed by Massive Attack's 3D for the Guardian, where he states the band's concerns.
"As a band that has toured globally for several years, we've had cause to reflect on this," he writes. "Concerns over our own carbon impact and those of our wider industry aren't new to us, but the urgency is."
He goes on to say that there is evidence that shows 93 percent of emissions generated by live music events can be attributed to the venue power use and audience transportation. How the band will choose to tackle these emissions — if at all — is unclear.
Massive Attack have asserted that they do not intend to stop touring all together as a result of their findings.
"Given the current polarised social atmosphere, uplifting and unifying cultural events are arguably more important now than ever, and no one would want to see them postponed or even cancelled," writes 3D. "The challenge therefore is to avoid more pledges, promises and greenwashing headlines and instead embrace seismic change."
Last week, Coldplay also voiced their own concerns about the environmental impacts of touring. The band have pledged not to tour until they are able make their shows carbon neutral.
