Climate Emergency Manifesto

The Musicians’ Union is actively collaborating with its members, working to alleviate and reverse climate change, advocating for solidarity and stewardship of the planet, including all inhabitants, fauna and natural life.

1. The MU commits to the ongoing care, stewardship and regeneration of the planet including all its inhabitants, flora, fauna, landscape and natural life.
2. The MU recognises that the fight for Climate Justice is interconnected to wider struggles for Indigenous Land Justice, Racial Justice, Disability Justice, Gender Equality and more.
3. The MU recognises that the climate emergency is a global challenge facing working people and trade unions everywhere and the MU is actively working, both with and on behalf of its members, to achieve ways to alleviate and reverse the effects of climate catastrophe.
4. The MU will strive to implement ecological wisdom and social responsibility across the union and will seek input and guidance from those with relevant lived experience, with decisions being made at the appropriate levels in consultation with those affected.
5. The MU will keep under review its investments and other activities with a view to divesting from unethical companies and organisations (including but not limited to those engaged in fossil fuel extraction, human rights abuses & ecocidal arms sales).
6. The MU will challenge and advocate for more sustainable, ethical and accessible practices, supporting both members and their communities, including but not limited to the following spaces:
   1. Music streaming and sales
   2. Merchandise production and distribution
   3. Promoter, venue and festival commitments and initiatives
   4. Agreements, hospitality and riders with booking agents, promoters, venues, festivals
   5. Local and domestic transport and public transport options and access
   6. National and international touring options and access
7. The MU will regularly seek feedback and guidance from members, and strive to provide education, resources and healing support for musicians experiencing climate anxiety.
8. The MU will regularly review the goals and intentions set out in this manifesto, seek feedback from members and report on progress and statistics, to ensure the union’s work continues to evolve in this space
9. The MU will, in good faith, strive to refrain from supporting, engaging with and appearing at events and opportunities that contravene this Manifesto. In cases where this is not feasible, the MU will express their relevant concerns at the appropriate levels to ensure progress is made towards these goals and values in earnest.