Festivals For Future: Frances Fox on Music’s Role in Climate Justice

Music has long been a force for change but as extreme weather disrupts events and the industry grapples with its own environmental footprint, can music be a meaningful part of the climate justice movement? In episode 2 of season 3 of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, Sean Adams speaks with Frances Fox, founder of Climate Live and a leader in the UK’s youth climate strikes. Frances shares her journey from music fan to activist, why festivals are powerful spaces for engagement, and how the music industry can move beyond greenwashing to drive real action. This episode explores: Why festivals are at risk from the climate crisis How music fans can help shape the climate conversation The role of artists, venues & labels in pushing for a sustainable future The reality of music’s carbon footprint and what needs to change The Solar-Powered Pink Bus—and why Climate Live is taking a message of climate justice straight to festival crowds whilst applying glitter and temporary tattoos From touring impacts to activism strategies, this episode breaks down the intersection of music and climate justice, offering real insights into what fans, artists, and the industry can do next. “Engaging the unengaged is my jam—when you meet people where they're at, like at a festival, it's very chill.” – Frances Fox Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction: Can Music Be a Force for Climate Justice?05:00 – Frances Fox’s Journey: From Festival-Goer to Climate Activist09:20 – Festivals & Climate Change: How Extreme Weather Is Reshaping Live Music15:40 – Touring, Vinyl & Streaming: The Hidden Environmental Cost of Music22:00 – The Solar-Powered Pink Bus: Taking Climate Conversations to Festivals30:00 – Roles in the Resistance: How Fans & Artists Can Push for Industry Change40:00 – Call to Action: What’s Next & How Listeners Can Get Involved Further Reading & Resources: Climate Live – Join the movement and apply to perform Fridays for Future – Global climate strike movement Choked Up – Campaigning for air quality in marginalized communities Disha Ravi – Indian climate activist's Wiki Roles in the Resistance Poster – Find your place in climate activism Julie's Bicycle – Sustainability in the creative arts Tori Tsui – Climate activist and author of It's Not Just You Dominique Palmer – Climate activist and speaker Music Declares Emergency – Musicians demanding climate action Music Venue Trust – Protecting grassroots music venues Safe Gigs for Women – Creating safer environments for women at gigs Teach The Future - teachthefuture.uk Rozzi - Artist who wrote a song about LA fires Stop Rosebank – Campaign against new oil fields Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty – Ending fossil fuel expansion EarthPercent – Brian Eno’s initiative for climate funding Make My Money Matter – How your bank funds fossil fuels Rainforest Foundation UK – Protecting the Congo Basin Reverb – Eco-friendly music tours Massive Attack's Climate Initiatives – Band's efforts for sustainable festivals 📩 Get More Music Insights – Subscribe to the Drowned in Sound Newsletter for deep dives into the future of music: http://drownedinsound.org 🎵 Music by SoundMirror Why This Matters: Festivals are already being disrupted—Boardmasters, Standon Calling, and others have faced cancellations due to extreme weather, and independent festivals may not survive rising insurance costs. The music industry still relies on fossil fuels—From plastic-heavy vinyl production to major labels backed by oil & gas investments, there’s a deeper connection than many realise. Musicians & fans have power—From sustainable touring to rethinking sponsorships, music can lead the way—but only if more people demand change.