Will the real Slim Shady please stand… under that tree
Lewis Jamieson - CEO & Founder, Music Declares Emergency discusses a climate focused, fan-driven K-POP phenomenon with Hyekyeong Kim - Founder, KPOP4PLANET at the Future of Music & Entertainment summit at Earthfest 2026
Is the music industry serious about tackling the climate crisis?
I was fortunate to attend the Future of Music & Entertainment summit at Earthfest 2026 on Wednesday at Sony Music’s very cool (air-conditioned) offices in King’s Cross. Ironically, as the temperature climbed towards 35°C outside, attendees weren’t entirely surprised to discover the schedule would be disrupted, with several speakers and delegates delayed or unable to attend at all due to the heatwave.
It was refreshing to see so many representatives from music and entertainment in attendance, each with engaging stories of real, meaningful actions being taken across so many sectors.
Yes, the music industry is getting serious about tackling the climate crisis. 10% of UK festivals were cancelled due to extreme weather events in 2024 – a message reinforced by the fact that this week would have been Glastonbury if not for a fallow year.
‘Will the real Slim Shady please stand… [under that tree,] or we’re going to have a problem here?’
From the manufacturing and distribution of physical and digital assets, artist management, festival curation, and contingency to gaming, storytelling, and fan involvement – with a particular nod to the young followers of K-pop and their unique approach to changing wasteful promotional practices – I left impressed with the ideas, actions, and connectivity across the music and entertainment sectors before being exposed to the 35°C streets of King’s Cross.
It’s natural to feel a sense of positivity, buoyancy and belonging at these events. It’s good for mind, body and soul, and, in some cases, business. But beware the slump, when the warm glow of being in a room with bright minds, galvanised on a mission, disperses and reality bites.
The green movement, for want of a better title, has suffered an identity crisis since its early inception in the ’60s and ’70s, as expressed by John Grant in his Green Marketing Manifesto (2007), in which he (given the title of his book), ironically insists we drop the word ‘green’ and many of the sandal-wearing, tree-hugging stereotypes will disappear with it.
The climate action movement (sorry John, work in progress) has most definitely made giant leaps forward from the hippy ideals of yesteryear. But while the identity has received a makeover, the messaging still needs work, as the money, misinformation, and lies from big fossil fuel lobbyists continue their attempt to drive the narrative.
Oh, and not forgetting the latest pair of elephants to arrive in an already heavily tusk-filled room: AI and its enormous energy- and water-guzzling data centres.
We are going to have to move faster and smarter to address the worst of global temperature increase, but, as my compass needle wavers, the current direction of travel gives me some grounds for optimism. 🌍 🎧
#Earthfest #TheFutureOfMusic&Entertainment #MusicForChange