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https://theconversation.com/ed-sheeran-caught-the-train-to-melbourne-to-protect-the-climate-but-what-about-his-thousands-of-fans-276971>
"This week, images on social media showed global superstar Ed Sheeran alighting
from the overnight train from Sydney into the decidedly utilitarian surrounds
of Southern Cross Station in Melbourne.
In Australia for an international tour, the $700 million star chose to travel
11 hours overnight by train, rather than take a one-hour flight. Media stories
speculating at his motive noted Sheeran’s wife, Cherry Seaborn, is a consultant
in sustainability and encourages him to travel on public transport to save
emissions.
Sheeran has also been open about his plan to buy land and “rewild” as much of
the United Kingdom as he can, saying: “I love my county and I love wildlife and
the environment.”
In a live touring industry built around tight schedules and frequent air
travel, Sheeran’s decision may be a symbolic gesture, driven by a desire to
reduce his carbon footprint.
Australia hosts hundreds of live events such as concerts and music festivals
each year. In 2024 alone, the live entertainment sector drew more than 31
million attendances, including more than 14 million concertgoers. Across the
country, more than 160 music festivals are staged each year.
Sell-out concerts at a huge scale, such as Sheeran’s, inevitably come with a
major environmental footprint.
How large is the carbon footprint of major concerts and events? Where do those
emissions come from? Is anything being done to reduce them; and why should the
event industry care in the first place?"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
