Travel and food account for the lion’s share of concert emissions: One 5 C

A new MIT-backed study analysing more than 80,000 concerts across the UK and US has revealed where the biggest emissions in live music actually come from.

The research shows that fan travel is by far the largest contributor, responsible for around 77% of live music emissions in the UK and 62% in the US. Food and drink at events are the next biggest sources, particularly meals with high meat content.

The findings highlight an important shift in focus: while production and touring logistics often get attention, how fans travel and what they consume at events may offer some of the biggest opportunities for reducing the sector’s footprint.

For an industry with huge cultural influence, the study suggests that changes in event design, transport options, and food choices could have a ripple effect far beyond the stage.

👉 Read the full article for the complete breakdown and what it means for the future of live events