How culture is combating climate change

14 Jan 2020 02:57 PM

A new report, published today, celebrates the successes of cultural organisations in acting on national and international climate targets.

Bournemouth Arts by the Sea. Photo © Seb Schofield 

Sustaining Great Art and Culture 2018/19, published today by Arts Council England and Julie’s Bicycle, is the first environmental report to cover the Arts Council’s 2018-22 National Portfolio – which has grown by 20% and includes 184 new organisations that have never reported on their environmental data before.

Despite this, the same level of NPOs submitted environmental data as in 2017/18, revealing that that the Portfolio’s total carbon footprint is 114,547 tonnes of CO2e – which would take almost 115,000 trees 100 years to absorb!

However, the report highlights numerous initiatives organisations are undertaking to rise to this challenge: from Bristol’s Colston Hall pledge to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2030 to the London Theatre Consortium developing a roadmap for a 60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2025.

Many organisations are also producing work on environmental themes, raising awareness with audiences – showcasing the unique role of the cultural sector in addressing this fundamental issue.

Click here for the full press release