Pop Band’s Impact: Converting Concertgoers into Climate Activists
In a sea of fans at Denver’s Ball Arena, the energy is palpable as thousands of concertgoers of the indie pop group AJR come together to perform the wave. The synchronized movement of throwing their arms up creates a sense of unity among the crowd, a moment that bassist and climate activist Adam Met aims to capture and channel towards a greater cause. Met, who also heads the non-profit Planet Reimagined, envisions harnessing the power of mass energy at concerts to inspire action towards addressing climate change.
AJR has been captivating audiences across the country on their Maybe Man tour with their quirky-existential hits like “Bang!” “Burn the House Down,” and “World’s Smallest Violin.” Beyond entertaining their fans, the band has taken steps to collaborate with local non-profits in each city they visit to encourage concertgoers to engage in local policy-based actions to combat the impacts of human-induced climate change right within the arena.
Turning Concert Energy into Climate Action
Through partnerships with local organizations, AJR has inspired their fans to take action on climate-related issues. In Salt Lake City, concert attendees at AJR’s shows penned 625 letters and 77 handwritten postcards to Utah legislators urging them to reduce water diversion from the Great Salt Lake. Similarly, in Phoenix, over 1,000 letters were sent to the city council to recognize extreme heat as a climate emergency, while in Chicago, 200 fans reached out to Illinois legislators advocating for the Illinois clean jobs platform.
While these numbers may seem modest, they hold significant weight in influencing policymakers. Bradford Fitch, President and CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation, notes that coordinated efforts from a group of fans can grab the attention of lawmakers due to their collective impact. This type of engagement at live events is relatively rare and can be a powerful tool for driving change.
Artists Leading the Environmental Movement
AJR is not alone in their efforts to engage concert attendees on climate issues. A growing number of artists are using their platform to educate fans about human-driven climate change as part of a broader environmental movement in the music industry. Artists like Billie Eilish have made statements on stage about the importance of protecting the planet, with Eilish mentioning that most of her shows are powered by solar energy.
Other performers, including Dave Matthews Band, The 1975, and My Morning Jacket, are also inviting activist groups to share information at concert venues. Maggie Baird, who oversees Eilish’s climate and sustainability efforts, emphasizes the importance of artists using their influence to raise awareness about environmental issues and connect with fans on these critical topics.
Implementing Climate Initiatives on Tour
AJR’s commitment to climate activism goes beyond the stage, as they work with organizations like Reverb to implement environmental efforts at each tour stop. Lara Seaver, Director of Touring and Projects at Reverb, highlights AJR’s consistent and impactful engagement work in local communities. By providing meaningful opportunities for fans to take action, AJR is setting a precedent for artists looking to make a difference through their music.
Recent research conducted by Planet Reimagined in collaboration with Live Nation reveals that concert attendees are not only open to learning about climate change but are also willing to take climate-related actions at events. Adam Met emphasizes the importance of artists being relevant to the local community and modeling the actions they want fans to take. By creating a connection between the artist and the cause, fans are more likely to engage and make a difference.
Engaging Fans for Change
At an AJR concert in Denver, fans were encouraged to support a local campaign aimed at phasing out new permits for fracking by 2030 in Colorado. Fracking, a contentious issue in the state, raises concerns about its environmental impact and contribution to planet-warming pollution. By scanning a QR code displayed on screen, concert attendees could easily participate in the initiative, demonstrating the power of mobilizing fans for a cause.
Representatives from 350 Colorado, the local climate change nonprofit behind the campaign, engaged with fans at the concert, highlighting the importance of connecting with music enthusiasts to drive environmental action. Concertgoer Robin Roston expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, noting that it provided a tangible way to contribute to environmental efforts while enjoying live music.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Despite the challenges of sustaining enthusiasm for climate action post-concert, events like these serve as a catalyst for engaging fans in meaningful dialogue about environmental issues. Cindy McPherson Frantz, a professor of psychology and environmental studies, emphasizes the power of collective gatherings in creating a sense of community and empowerment among attendees. While follow-through on climate actions may vary, the initial spark ignited at concerts can lead to broader engagement in environmental advocacy.
350 Colorado’s Bobbie Mooney emphasizes the importance of incremental engagement, where small actions can lead to greater involvement in advocating for environmental policies. By providing fans with opportunities to take part in climate initiatives, artists like AJR are paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious music industry.
In conclusion, the impact of artists like AJR in converting concertgoers into climate activists is significant. By leveraging their platform to inspire action, artists can mobilize fans to make a difference in addressing pressing environmental challenges. As the music industry continues to embrace sustainability and environmental advocacy, artists play a crucial role in driving positive change and raising awareness about the urgency of climate action.