Climate Change Impacts on Australian Music Festivals Highlighted by New Study

A recent study by Griffith University has found that music festivals in Australia are increasingly being cancelled, postponed, or impacted by extreme weather events, including floods and bushfires, due to climate change. According to the research, there is a lack of attention in public discussion and scholarly literature to the impacts of extreme weather and climate change on the festival sector. The study explores the issue in the context of Australian music festivals and highlights the need for adaptation in response to climate change predictions.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that music festivals in Australia are being increasingly impacted by extreme weather events, including floods and bushfires, due to climate change.
• Research stated that there is a lack of attention in public discussion and scholarly literature to the impacts of extreme weather and climate change on the festival sector.
• The study explored the issue in the context of Australian music festivals and highlighted the need for adaptation in response to climate change predictions.
• The research analyzed policy submissions, media comments, and changes of practice by music festival stakeholders in industry and government.
• The study proposed a set of questions and issues for research, policy, and action concerning the escalating impact of extreme weather on music festivals in Australia.
• The research highlighted that climate science predictions indicate an increase in frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
• The study included an examination of recent impacts of extreme weather on Australian music festivals, including the 2018-2019 bushfires and 2022 floods.
• Music festival stakeholders in industry and government are responding to the challenge of climate change, but more attention is needed to adapt to the impacts of extreme weather.
• The study concluded by emphasizing the importance of considering the benefits of music festivals in the context of climate change impacts.

Statistics:

• The study noted that extreme weather events, including floods and bushfires, are predicted to increase in frequency and severity due to climate change.
• According to the research, the impacts of extreme weather events on music festivals in Australia have been significant, with festivals being cancelled, postponed, or impacted in recent years.
• The study found that policy submissions, media comments, and changes of practice by music festival stakeholders in industry and government are being implemented to address the impacts of climate change.
• The research proposed a set of questions and issues for research, policy, and action concerning the escalating impact of extreme weather on music festivals in Australia.

Sources:

• 'what If It Rains? What If There Are Bushfires?': Extreme Weather, Climate Change and Music Festivals In Australia. Media International Australia, 2025;195(1):120-136.
• NewsRx. Reports Summarize Climate Change Findings from Griffith University ('what If It Rains? What If There Are Bushfires?': Extreme Weather, Climate Change and Music Festivals In Australia). Global Warming Focus. June 9, 2025; p 236.