GOJIRA singer answers question: How can you preach environmentalism then jet off on world tours? | Page 2 | Revolver

GOJIRA singer answers question: How can you preach environmentalism then jet off on world tours?

Joe Duplantier addresses challenges of green touring
gojira joe duplantier 2022 LIVE MOHLMAN, Justin Mohlman
photograph by Justin Mohlman

From Taylor Swift to Coldplay, many artists have been called out in recent years for their carbon footprint, whether from flying in private jets or touring in gas-guzzling vans and buses. An outspoken advocate for environmental protection, Gojira bandleader Joe Duplantier addressed the challenges of "green touring" when participating in Kerrang!'s "The People Vs." series, in which musicians answer fan questions.

Among the queries posed to Duplantier, a fan named Dan posed the pointed question: "How are you able to preach environmentalism and then jet off on world tours?"

"That is a fair question, and it's something that's extremely challenging," the always-thoughtful Gojira frontman responded. "Knowing what the right thing is to do in life can be very challenging a lot of the time: trying not to leave too much of a large carbon footprint. Ultimately, we were faced with the choice of stopping touring – effectively quitting – because this industry is polluting, or keeping going because our message might be able to do some good.

Duplantier continued: "We're not saying that we're out there saving the world, or that our message is so incredible that it's going to change people's lives, but we do have an influence on our listeners. Our message is to be yourself, to do what you're supposed to in the world, and then we should have a better world. If every single person does what they're supposed to do in their heart – what they're good at, what makes them happy – then it'll be a better, cleaner, more sustainable world."

Gojira are set to tour North America later this year on a co-headlining trek with Mastodon.