‘Adapting is critical, but preventing further climate change and nature loss remains the priority’: how festivals can help create a liveable future
Claire O’Neill, CEO & co-founder of A Greener Future, recently shared her thoughts with Festival Insights on the practical sustainability measures festivals are putting into action this summer.
With extreme heat, drought and wildfires increasingly affecting festivals across the UK and Europe, climate adaptation is becoming an essential part of event planning. But as Claire explains, adapting to the impacts of climate change must go hand in hand with reducing emissions and protecting nature.
In her article for Festival Insights, Claire looks at some of the practical solutions being implemented across the festival sector, from waterless toilets and urine-to-fertiliser systems to plant-based food, waste reduction and fossil-free power.
She also highlights examples from festivals and events including Paradise City, Green Man, Boom Festival, LIDO, All Points East, American Express Presents BST Hyde Park, Fire In The Mountain and Way Out West, as well as AGF's work with partners through Grid Faeries.
The article explores how festivals can move beyond simply responding to climate impacts and use their influence to reduce emissions, change behaviours and help create a more liveable future.
Article by Claire O’Neill, originally published by Festival Insights on 25 August 2026.
