Over 100 artists including Brian Eno, BICEP, and HAAi sign open letter opposing Rosebank oil field
The letter is addressed to the UK government, urging it to reject a potential “megapolluter”
Over 100 artists from the UK have signed an open letter urging the government to pull the plug on the Rosebank oil field project.
The letter, penned by Brian Eno as part of his EarthPercent initiative – a climate foundation for the music industry – asks the government to “assess the full climate damage from potential new developments”.
DJs and producers from across the UK have signed the open letter in support, including BICEP, HAAi, Moxie, Confidence Man, Dan Shake, Jon Hopkins, Daniel Avery, Midland, SHERELLE, Leon Vynehall, Shanti Celeste, and The Blessed Madonna.
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“As musicians and artists, we know that our creativity is rooted in the world around us. But that world is under threat,” the letter reads. “Festivals are being cancelled due to extreme weather, and grassroots venues are grappling with rising energy costs.”
“Continued oil and gas expansion jeopardises not only our climate, but the cultural spaces where music is made and shared, the natural landscapes that inspire creativity, and the livelihoods of artists and those who support them.”
The letter urges the government to look into the “significant harm” that could come as a result of new oil and gas projects, including the Rosebank oil field, which aims to produce close to 7% of the UK’s oil from now until 2030, according to its operators Equinor.
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Equinor is now expected to reapply for approval from the government to develop the oil field, which sits to the west of the Shetland islands. The letter appeals the decision, saying it could “accelerate the climate crisis” and become a potential “megapolluter”.
The letter urges: “The climate pollution from burning Rosebank’s 500 million barrels of oil and gas is incompatible with safe climate limits, and any new application to exploit Rosebank’s reserves must be refused.”
Read the full open letter here.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter