More than 200 artists, including musicians, actors, filmmakers, photographers and performers, have added their names to an open letter calling on world leaders to support a Fossil Fuel Treaty that would result in a global transition away from fossil fuels. Music artists who have signed the letter include Brian Eno, Coldplay, Massive Attack, The Cure’s Robert Smith, Ninja Tune’s Matt Black, and REM’s Michael Stipe, amongst others.
In their letter, the signatories explain: “Oil, gas and coal are not just energy sources. When extracted from the ground, where they belong, they become weapons of mass destruction, destabilising our climate, endangering our lives, and silencing entire cultures.” Brian Eno said: “Artists are people who imagine other worlds and offer us the chance to explore our feelings about them. With multiple crises unfolding across our world, that kind of imagination has a vital role to play. I encourage artists everywhere to sign this letter and support the call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty so we can help shape a more peaceful and sustainable future.”
It’s no shock to hear that music artists are eager to back a long-term end to fossil fuel use. An increasing number of artists use their social leverage to not only spread the word, but also to push their industry partners to take action in the form of simple decisions that make a difference: eco-vinyl over PVC, choosing recycled card stock, encouraging public transport options for gigs etc. It might sometimes feel like a simple, emotive letter is not enough to make a difference – a feeling that is reflective of the complex and multi-threaded nature of the climate emergency. However it also reflects the pathway to progress: there is no simple solution – so any long term change will come from the aggregated impact of incremental actions that we can all make.
