Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century. Adjustments need to be made in all areas of life. But why is it that while thinking about climate change we are being confronted with an awful long list of «Not-To’s»? Why are we always told what we are supposed not to do? Can it be that mostly scientists and politicians set the tone? Why do we get either «Doom & Gloom» scenarios or utter neglect of scientific facts from mainstream media? Can it be that the cultural sector has lost its lead role in explaining the world? Why not reclaim this role?
The music and entertainment industry has global reach and can unleash imagination and passion like few other industries. It produces role models, dreams and questions which can pave the way into a low carbon future. Through exemplary actions, relevant actors can function as role models for the implementation of vital climate protection measures. This way of thinking would create demand and supply of innovative and sustainable strategies – both from climate and business points of view. The music and entertainment industry has a unique possibility – through positive examples and practical solutions – to guide society towards a more climatefriendly future and help our political leaders to bring about the required global transformation.
The Green Music Initiative acts as a platform coordinating the music and entertainment industry’s efforts to minimise their 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 practise with the objective to create industrywide demand for innovative and sustainable solutions – both from the climate and business point of view.
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
