Lifestyle

U2: Outrageous Carbon Footprint?

A glimpse into U2’s collective carbon footprint from Helen Roberts of carbonfootprint.com has sparked controversy among environmentalists.

This year alone, the world-renowned band’s tour (from 44 shows) is reportedly emitting the equivalent carbon footprint of a return flight to Mars. According to guardian.co.uk, U2 will create enough carbon to fly all 90,000 people attending one of their Wembley dates (in London) to Dublin… Isn’t Bono supposed to be an environmentalist?

What can you do to lighten your own ‘entertainment footprint’?  Sometimes it’s a necessary evil in order to explore the country (and certainly the globe) that you release some emissions. That’s a no-brainer. But there’s always an opportunity to take steps and offset your footprint to help the greater good.

Is it worth it for the sake of entertainment and exploration? Sure, sometimes. Though I personally feel better about heading to the TLA in Philadelphia to enjoy live music (where I can take public transportation instead of making a more damaging trek to a bigger venue farther away.)

But what about the artist’s trail? Do you think musicians like U2 and lesser-known bands should be more concerned about their environmental impact while touring? Would it stop you from seeing a band you like? Let us know by commenting below.

Posted by Beth

Beth Funari

Beth is a Health and Wellness expert who believes sustainability goes hand-in-hand with self care. She’s the girl whipping up kombucha cocktails at parties, and extolling the benefits of canning vegetables to anyone who will listen.

Recent Posts

Mural Arts Institute closure, bike rack permits, budget hearings & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  PennDOT to repair potholes in Philly region. The…

3 days ago

Data centers are booming in the Garden State. Are local communities ready?

New Jersey is an attractive place to build a data center. Lawmakers and residents are…

4 days ago

SEPTA real-time arrivals, FDR Park lawsuit, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  SEPTA to debut digital bus stop displays. SEPTA…

1 week ago

New research shows widespread “ghost forests” in New Jersey

Scientists mapped millions of dead trees along the Atlantic coastline that show the impact of…

2 weeks ago

Why are Philly recycling rates so low? A mix of contamination, culture and systems still make it complicated in 2026.

City leaders, educators, and community advocates agreed on one thing at our recent recycling panel:…

2 weeks ago

Climate storytelling, nuclear production, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Chinatown Stitch design moves forward. The Chinatown Stitch…

2 weeks ago