20 Songs About Climate Change

Exploring songs about climate change, artists from various genres have used their musical platforms to address environmental issues, weaving powerful messages through melodies and lyrics. These tracks range from mournful warnings about the planet’s fragility to hopeful anthems about stewardship, showcasing how musicians contribute to the conversation on sustainability and conservation.

1. “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell

“Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell is a poignant critique of the environmental impact of urban development. Through its catchy melody, the song laments the loss of nature to pave way for commercial spaces, highlighting the irreversible changes to our environment.

2. “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” by Marvin Gaye

“Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” by Marvin Gaye stands out as an early example of soul music delving into environmental issues, with a focus on pollution and ecological destruction. Gaye’s smooth voice conveys a deep concern for the well-being of the planet, emphasizing the urgent need for environmental awareness and action.

3. “Earth Song” by Michael Jackson

“Earth Song” by Michael Jackson is a powerful anthem that underscores the pop icon’s emotional plea for environmental preservation and animal welfare. With haunting visuals and lyrics, Jackson challenges listeners to confront the impacts of deforestation and the disregard for animal life, urging a collective movement towards healing the planet.

4. “After the Gold Rush” by Neil Young

“After the Gold Rush” by Neil Young poetically addresses the consequences of environmental neglect for future generations. Through evocative lyrics, the song warns of a world ravaged by pollution, urging us to consider the legacy we leave behind.

5. “Feels Like Summer” by Childish Gambino

“Feels Like Summer” by Childish Gambino offers a striking interpretation of global warming and its pervasive climate change effects. Through its smooth rhythm and compelling visuals, the song paints a vivid picture of a warming planet, prompting reflection on our environmental impact.

6. “The 3 R’s” by Jack Johnson

“The 3 R’s” by Jack Johnson delivers a catchy and straightforward message on the importance of recycling and conservation to protect our environment. Its upbeat tune and sing-along lyrics make it a memorable anthem for encouraging eco-friendly practices among listeners of all ages.

7. “Paradise” by Coldplay

“Paradise” by Coldplay uses metaphorical lyrics to explore the loss of nature due to environmental degradation. The song intertwines a sense of longing with the harsh reality of destroyed habitats, sparking a conversation on how these changes affect both the planet and human perception of paradise.

8. “Before the Deluge” by Jackson Browne

“Before the Deluge” by Jackson Browne serves as a poignant warning about the future that awaits if environmental concerns are ignored. Through its thoughtful lyrics, the song advocates for increased environmental awareness and caution, emphasizing the urgency of taking action to prevent potential catastrophe.

9. “Mother Nature’s Son” by The Beatles

“Mother Nature’s Son” by The Beatles celebrates a deep connection to nature and the joy of living in harmony with the natural world. The song’s gentle melodies and lyrics convey a sense of simplicity and appreciation for the earth’s beauty, inspiring listeners to reconnect with the environment.

10. “Beds Are Burning” by Midnight Oil

“Beds Are Burning” by Midnight Oil delivers a potent message on climate justice and the rights of indigenous people. Through its energetic beat and compelling lyrics, the song emphasizes the urgent need for addressing environmental injustices that disproportionately affect indigenous communities, advocating for respect and action.

11. “Don’t Go Near The Water” by The Beach Boys

“Don’t Go Near The Water” by The Beach Boys delves into the serious issue of water pollution and its environmental harm. With their signature harmonies, the song critiques the careless treatment of our waterways, urging listeners to be mindful of the impact of pollution on aquatic ecosystems.

12. “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons

“Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons explores the grim theme of a dystopian future shaped by nuclear fallout and environmental neglect. The song’s powerful beats and haunting lyrics paint a picture of a world awakened to the consequences of its disregard for the environment, prompting reflection on our current path.

13. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles

“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles radiates an air of renewal and hope regarding the environment, standing as a beacon for the positive outcomes of battling climate change. Its uplifting melody and lyrics remind listeners of the beauty in nature and the potential for healing and growth amidst environmental challenges.

14. “Anohni – 4 Degrees” by Anohni

“Anohni – 4 Degrees” by Anohni takes a bold and direct approach to discussing global warming and the importance of activism. With its dramatic composition, the song confronts listeners with the harsh realities of climate change, encouraging a proactive stance in the environmental movement.

15. “Truth to Power” by OneRepublic

“Truth to Power” by OneRepublic emphasizes the significance of personal responsibility and environmental activism in combating climate change. The song’s inspiring lyrics and melody encourage listeners to recognize their individual power and role in fostering a sustainable future for the planet.

16. “Who Loves The Sun” by The Velvet Underground

“Who Loves The Sun” by The Velvet Underground uses sun symbolism to delve into existential questioning of human existence and environmental neglect. The song’s contemplative lyrics and melody prompt listeners to reflect on their relationship with nature and the impacts of their actions on the environment.

17. “Natural Beauty” by Neil Young

“Natural Beauty” by Neil Young is an ode to the untouched beauty of natural landscapes and underscores the importance of preservation. Through its heartfelt lyrics, the song celebrates the awe-inspiring aspects of the Earth and calls for a commitment to protect its pristine conditions.

18. “(Nothing But) Flowers” by Talking Heads

“(Nothing But) Flowers” by Talking Heads envisions a post-apocalyptic world where nature reclaims its space from human developments. The song, with its upbeat tempo and ironic lyrics, reflects on the transformation of urban landscapes back to their natural state, highlighting the resilience and power of nature.

19. “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

“What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, while not directly about climate change, deeply emphasizes the appreciation for nature and the beauty of the world. Its timeless lyrics and melody inspire a sense of gratitude and a desire to preserve the planet’s splendor for future generations.

20. “The Landscape Is Changing” by Depeche Mode

“The Landscape Is Changing” by Depeche Mode is a synth-pop reflection on environmental change and the pressing need for activism. The song combines electronic rhythms with poignant lyrics, urging listeners to acknowledge the shifting environment around them and to take action in safeguarding the Earth.