Expedition 1: In Partnership with Ecotricity. Photo by Ant Clausen Photography
The Exhibition 1 event, which will be followed by a public day on 30 November, will test and showcase eight cross-sectoral pilot projects aimed at decarbonising the live music, TV, and film production sectors in 2025. This milestone forms part of the UN’s Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) programme.
Accelerator City 2024: Global Climate Action. Liverpool Music City. Credit: Stratus Imagery
Liverpool’s newly announced designation as an ‘Accelerator City’ recognises the city’s commitment to innovation and smart regulation in its efforts to rapidly decarbonise these vital sectors. Over several years, ACT 1.5, an artist-led initiative, and scientists from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research have worked to develop cutting-edge methods for reducing the environmental footprint of the entertainment industry.
In addition to Exhibition 1, Act 1.5, a three-night live music series will take place at Liverpool Arena from 28-30 November in collaboration with Massive Attack, and SJM concerts. The ACT 1.5 performances will showcase sustainable innovations and new designs for live music events, setting an example for future large-scale gatherings.
Key initiatives announced include a pioneering public transport and ticketing program, the electrification of all major event and filming locations using renewable energy, and a new Paris Agreement-compatible sustainability standard for future events.
This initiative builds on the success of Massive Attack’s recent ACT 1.5 climate action accelerator event in Bristol, UK, which was praised for its minimal greenhouse gas emissions, setting the stage for similar projects in Liverpool.
Liverpool will expand its efforts to include national film and television institutions, piloting decarbonisation methods to be integrated into the fabric of the city. Supported by Ecotricity and a network of public and private partners, including the BBC, BAFTA Albert, and the European Space Agency, the Accelerator City programme aims to establish Liverpool as a hub for sustainable creativity and climate action.
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change:
“I commend the city of Liverpool on its ambitious plans to dramatically speed up decarbonisation in this vital sector. Cities and towns are absolutely essential in picking up the pace and scale of climate action – and the cultural sector plays a vital role in unlocking innovation and promoting sustainable behaviours. I applaud Liverpool’s initiative and look forward to identifying other ‘Accelerator Cities’ in the future.”
Steve Rotherham, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region:
“Liverpool has always been a city of firsts but being named the world’s first ‘Accelerator City’ is huge for our region, and another example of how we’re leading the charge on climate action. We’re not just talking about change; we’re making it happen. By bringing innovation to the sectors that define us—like music, film and TV —we’re showing the world how culture can drive real, meaningful climate action. Together, we’re proving that the Liverpool City Region isn’t just making headlines; it’s helping to write the playbook for building a fairer, greener future a reality for everyone.”
Robert Del Naja, (3D – Massive Attack):
“Our recent Bristol show demonstrated beyond question that major live music events can be Paris 1.5 compatible, and that audiences will embrace change enthusiastically. The vast scope of work in Liverpool and UN recognition means we can now concentrate more dynamic pilots and experiments to rapidly phase out fossil fuels. This idea and this insistence are not going back in any box. We’re delighted to see artists like Coldplay testing elements like localised ticket pre-sales and 100% renewable energy as recommended in the Tyndall Centre Paris 1.5 decarbonisation road map and encourage other artists to do so freely. The talking stage is over, it’s time to act.”
UK Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy MP:
“I am proud and delighted that Liverpool – as famous for its cultural exports as it is for its maritime history – will be the UN’s first Accelerator City for climate change action…
I would especially like to congratulate the artists, scientists, providers and the city council who have made huge efforts and driven innovative solutions to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and are having their work recognised in this way. Dynamic projects like these are completely in line with our mission for the UK to become global leaders in this action once again, and with our efforts to boost clean, green, highly skilled jobs at home to drive economic growth and achieve clean power by 2030.”
Matt Scarff, Managing Director BAFTA Albert:
“The screen industries are uniquely placed to help drive forward the vital progress and innovation needed to protect the future of our planet. BAFTA albert is proud to support this brilliant UN initiative and support the city of Liverpool as we work to make it a hub of sustainable creativity for generations to come.”
Professor Carly McLachlan, Director of Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research:
“This city level action to transform live music and film and TV production is really exciting in its ambition and the critical combination of collaboration and regulation. We need to move fast on decarbonisation and that means innovation and new ways of working, but crucially it also means sharing learning, getting the right infrastructure in place and ratcheting up minimum standards. Liverpool’s global recognition as such a culturally rich city make it a brilliant location to demonstrate to the world how things can be done differently.”
Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council:
‘Liverpool has redefined the transformative power of culture over the past 25 years by blending imagination and innovation with a passion to deliver amazing results – be it staging the best-ever Eurovision to playing a leading role in the UK’s recovery from Covid. Now we’re ready to apply all of our best efforts to tackling the biggest challenge humanity faces and we are deeply honoured the UN has recognised our commitment to decarbonise our cultural sector and appointed Liverpool as the World’s First “Accelerator City” for Climate Action.
“What is so fantastic about this status, is not just the plans we have to help decarbonise music, events and filming, but also the way that this project will educate and motivate audiences through something they really care about – music and entertainment. Liverpool is a city that has always strived to innovate and inspire, and this award recognises that on a global scale.”
Dale Vince OBE, Founder of Ecotricity:
“Big congrats to Liverpool, leading the way by adopting Act 1.5 across the city. We’ve been working with Massive Attack on the music side and with partners in film and tv production to show that it’s possible for the live event sector to operate this way – that’s important not just for the sake of its own … footprint but because of the platform it has – we can reach huge amounts of people this way and show them there is another way to live. I love the scale and the ambition.”
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