Publishing Associations and Drivers and Barriers for Climate Action

Climate change is an increasingly urgent matter at the national, European, and international levels. In 2021, the European Union pledged to become the first carbon-neutral region by 2050 and to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 55 per cent by 2030. In the book industry, publishing associations are one of the main actors in fostering environmental sustainability. They are represented at the European level by the Federation of European Publishers (FEP). This paper focuses on drivers and opportunities for action on climate within the publishing sector, analysing responses from several senior European publishing association representatives during a series of interviews conducted in May 2022. The interviews revealed differing approaches between European publishing associations that were proactively addressing the topic (push approach) and those whose membership had yet to recognize climate change as a priority issue (pull approach). Overall, publishing associations are well positioned to engage their respective members. The final part of this article suggests some actions that publishing associations could take to help their members to address sustainability. First, to facilitate discussion, regional or international organizations such as FEP or the International Publishers Association could provide support to frame the wider context. Secondly, all climate-related actions in the publishing sector should be concrete, such as implementing carbon calculators or reimagining a more eco-friendly book fair. Finally, the article emphasizes the reputational risk for associations that do not take a position on the issue, and the increasing pressure that could come from the media and the regulatory environment, and suggests a more consistent approach and communication strategy.