Renowned artists are using their music to spur climate action.
How many times have we immersed ourselves in the sound of ocean waves in search of calm? Or listened to the gentle whisper of rain to help us fall asleep? Or enjoyed the songs of animals echoing in iconic soundtracks? The melodies of nature accompany our lives, even when we often take them for granted.
The United Nations Museum UN Live reflected on this idea, recognising that the greatest artist of all time lacks the credit she deserves, despite her fundamental presence in the artistic world. This led to the creation of the Sounds Right project, aimed at highlighting the value of nature and inspiring millions of music fans to join the fight against climate action.
This is how Nature became a Spotify artist, taking centre stage in songs by international artists such as Madame Gandhi, Bomba Estéreo, David Bowie, and MØ. In the feat. Nature playlist, artists incorporate sounds of nature into their songs, and a portion of the royalties is directed to environmental conservation and environmental protection initiatives. The playlist has already surpassed 50 million streams.
The music industry is fine-tuning its commitment to the fight against climate change. I immediately think of that famous Englishman who walks the world barefoot. If you know who I mean, chances are you’re a Coldplay fan. ‘It helps me offset the time I spend in stadiums,’ Chris Martin recently admitted to DJ Zane Lowe, when asked why he likes to connect with nature with no shoes.
Coldplay was one of the first bands to break away from the practice of unsustainable concerts. Since 2021, they’ve worked to reduce the carbon footprint of their world tours, plant millions of trees through ticket sales, and support environmental initiatives. These actions transcend mere entertainment by connecting moments of celebration, chants, and dances with a greater purpose: honoring life and the planet.
More and more artists are raising their microphones to sing for the same cause. Recently, Norwegian singer AURORA and British singer Jacob Collier recorded their first collaboration on a platform floating on Earth’s mirrors ―the Artic icebergs. The video, both mesmerizing and unsettling, reminds us of the fragility of our planet. This powerful performance, coordinated by Greenpeace International, is an urgent call to protect the oceans.
On the other side of the world, Billie Eilish has made it clear that her music and values stand together. She has used her influence to spotlight overconsumption in the music industry, demanding global brands that any collaboration with her can’t involve animal products. She has also organised two events in London called Overheated, offering a space for activists and professionals to discuss the climate crisis.
Ellie Goulding, a longtime philanthropic activist, serves as a global ambassador for UN Environment Programme. She uses her platform to raise awareness among her fans and global leaders about the urgent need to enhance ambition and protect biodiversity ambition, to achieve a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
We find ourselves in a vibrant moment of climate action. Solutions are within our reach and the artists we admire invite us to engage from the largest stages. The fight against climate change has evolved into an artistic, cultural, and optimistic movement. We deserve a healthy environment that allows us to live fully and enjoy the beauty that this planet is willing to share with us.
