by Monica Schrock

The World Music Expo, Womex, linked up with the UN Climate Change Conference (COP15) in November of this year to discuss strategies for the music industry to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in hopes of a low carbon future. Headlining as ‘Advocating for Change’, Simon Broughton, Songlines (UK) with Alison Tickell, Julie’s Bicycle (UK) and Esben Danielsen, Roskilde Festival (Denmark) led sessions called “It’s not easy being green, but its not as difficult as you think”, on how the music industry can adapt to climate changes and challenges. These sessions launched some of the first sustainable efforts at Womex responding to the climate changes of our planet. With the help of COP15, Womex got the sustainable word out over 5 days of jam packed music consisting of 49 concerts played by 300 musicians from over 40 countries. Womex also has a trade fair with 320 tents attracting and exhibiting 1425 companies, including labels, publishers, distributors, managers, producers and journalists. The first whispers of a green future at Womex could be a huge step in climate change awareness for the world of music.