Music Declares Emergency wins IMPALA Outstanding Contribution Award

29 November 2019 - Press release

This year, IMPALA’s Outstanding Contribution Award goes to Music Declares Emergency, the UK organisation formed by a collection of artists, music professionals, individuals and members of leading environmental charity for the creative industries, Julie’s Bicycle, in 2019. In July, MDE declared a Climate and Ecology Emergency, which attracted thousands of signatures from all sectors of the UK music industry, including artists such as The 1975, Foals, Radiohead, Robyn and Massive Attack.

Music Declares Emergency works with the UK music industry to improve sustainable practices and act as a focus for the collective voice of UK music to call for systemic changes from government to protect all life on Earth and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. With a working group that draws on all areas of the industry and with the decade long research and experience of Julie’s Bicycle, the organisation aims to create conversations around changing practices and offer support to businesses and individuals wanting to make such changes.

In recognition of the importance of this initiative and to echo the call on decision makers to act now, IMPALA decided to give its Outstanding Contribution Award to Music Declares Emergency.

IMPALA Executive Chair Helen Smith commented: "This movement seizes the power of the music sector to take action and inspire change. It is important to join forces and to encourage collective action for climate. IMPALA’s award recognises the unique role this project plays in the call for emergency action to protect the future of our planet ".

Music Declares Emergency spokesperson commented : "The response of the UK music industry, and others outside of the UK to our declaration has been overwhelming and extremely encouraging. We believe that music can change cultures and be a positive force. It is urgent to understand the gravity of the climate crisis. It is our responsibility to call on government and to act. Our ambition is to accelerate collaboration to have a real impact on these critical targets, now. We all need to play our part in combating the climate crisis and to receive European recognition from IMPALA is a moment of real importance for Music Declares Emergency".

IMPALA Executive Chair Helen Smith concluded : "One of IMPALA’s aims with this award is to highlight initiatives that are exceptional for our sector. We invite all artists, organisations and citizens to sign the Declaration".