Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century, requiring adjustments in all areas of life. Yet, when we think about climate change, why are we often confronted with a seemingly endless list of “don’ts”? Why are we constantly told what we should not do? Could it be that scientists and politicians largely set the tone? Why do mainstream media offer us either “doom and gloom” scenarios or outright neglect of scientific facts? Has the cultural sector lost its leading role in explaining the world—and if so, why not reclaim it?
The music and entertainment industry has global reach and can inspire imagination and passion like few other sectors. It produces role models, dreams, and questions that can help pave the way toward a low-carbon future. By taking exemplary actions, relevant actors can serve as role models for implementing vital climate protection measures. This approach would generate both demand and supply for innovative and sustainable strategies—from both climate and business perspectives. The industry has a unique opportunity to guide society toward a more climate-friendly future through positive examples and practical solutions, while also supporting political leaders in achieving the global transformation that is needed.
The Green Music Initiative (GMI) serves as a platform coordinating the music and entertainment industry’s efforts to minimize its climate impact. CO₂-reduction strategies are implemented in close cooperation with scientific institutes, stakeholders, and artists, paving the way for others to follow. GMI showcases best practices with the aim of creating industry-wide demand for innovative and sustainable solutions—from both climate and business perspectives.
In our working meetings, we have already brought together representatives from a wide range of departments, such as: Prof. Dr. Fritz Reusswig / Potsdam Institut für Klimafolgenforschung, Dr. Hermann Ott / Wuppertal Institut, Roland Hipp / Greenpeace, Verena Vehling / Exit Media, Dr. Benedikt von Walter / MTV Networks, Dirk Baur / Universal Music, Nina Hillekum / Zeppelin Universität, Thies Schröder / Ferropolis, Finja Goetz / Melt! Festival, Marko Hegner / Intro, Dr. Bodo Schwieger / Team Red, Inga Königsstadt / R.O.T / Management MIA., Roland Leesker / Rockit, Johannes Ostendorf / Murieta Stiftung, Alison Tickel / Julie’s Bicycle (UK), Catherina Bottril / Oxford Institute (UK), Freddy Paul Grunert / ZKM, Wendy Stephenson / Converging World (UK), Aimee Christensen / Global Observatory (USA), Holger Jan Schmidt (Rheinkultur), Olaf Gesme Kretschmar / Berlin Music Commission, Rainer Grigutsch / Club Commission
Tommy Nick / Berlin Music Week, Jenny Ludwig / Goth for Earth, Claudia Jericho / C/O POP, Manfred Tari / Reeperbahn Festival, Stefan Keuchel / Google, Marco Voigt / Cleantech World, Anita Tillmann / Premium Fashion Week, Sophie v. Stockhausen / Bread & Butter, Marion Denantes / COWI (Belgium), Trine Skjelgar / OYA Festival Oslo (Norway), Ralph Wiegmann / IF International Forum Design, Julia Rawlins / British Council, Steve Redmond / Brit Awards, Stefan Michalk / Bundesverband Phonographische Wirschaft, Malte Spitz / Bundesvorstand Bündnis 90 / Die Grünen
