2008

Low carbon Radiohead?
1 January 2008

Radiohead's Thom Yorke helped to launch The Big Ask in May 2005.

This seems to be the first sane, reasoned way out of what is basically an international emergency. Any person out there who has any concern about global warming in this country, who feels powerless like I did, should think about getting involved in the Big Ask.

Thom Yorke, Radiohead

Over the past couple of years he has done everything he can to support the campaign. Not only did he headline at The Big Ask Live - he also visited his MP to call for a strong Climate Change Law.

Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood play The Big Ask Live

Close to home

Thom's passion for tackling climate change doesn't end there. He is also personally committed to reducing his own carbon footprint.

That's why Radiohead have been looking at the carbon dioxide emissions generated by their live tours.

They discovered that the largest impact came from how fans travel to the gigs. Of the band's own behaviour - international travel was the biggest problem.

Positive steps

Radiohead have decided to take action. They are encouraging their fans to car share to gigs, and have decided to play venues in city centres so its easier for fans to travel by public transport.

The band themselves will start to freight their equipment by ship rather than air when they go to the US.

They will also try to travel as little as possible by air themselves - and start to investigate more efficient road and rail transportation.

We're delighted that the group is taking real steps to minimise its contribution to climate change. Hopefully other bands and artists will read this report and follow Radiohead's lead.

Tony Juniper, Friends of the Earth Executive Director

See the full report on Radiohead's website.

Thom Yorke Big Ask

© Friends of the Earth

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