On November 24, 2024, Liverpool was designated as the world's first "Accelerator City" by a United Nations program for its proactive measures to combat climate change. This recognition coincides with the city's upcoming event, Act 1.5, scheduled from November 28-30 at the M&S Bank Arena, featuring performances by artists such as Massive Attack, IDLES, and Nile Rodgers.
The title Act 1.5 references the 2015 international agreement aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack emphasized the band's recent Bristol concert, claimed to be the lowest-carbon event of its size, as evidence that the music industry can contribute positively to climate efforts.
Del Naja expressed optimism that the UN recognition would foster more innovative initiatives to eliminate fossil fuels. He praised artists like Coldplay for adopting sustainable practices, such as localized ticket pre-sales, in line with the Tyndall Centre Paris 1.5 decarbonisation roadmap.
Liverpool city council leader Liam Robinson is set to address COP29 regarding the city's climate action plans, acknowledging the challenges ahead but committing to collaborate with smaller venues.