Blog Action Day: Aussie Songs for Climate Change

Today is Blog Action Day, a day when bloggers all around the globe unite to raise awareness of topical issues and inspire change. This year we’re talking about climate change. I was appalled recently to hear that studies say Australians are becoming less concerned about this big issue. So while much has been written about the environment in the recent past, perhaps this day is more important than ever. I don’t think preaching about the importance of reducing your carbon footprint and being green ever works. Instead, I’ll let the words of some of Australia’s most powerful environmental songs do the talking for me.

“Warakurna” didn’t make the chart splash that many of Midnight Oil’s songs did, but I think that makes it impact all the more profound. I encourage you to listen to the lyrics, ones that many of you may not have heard before. I get a chill every time I hear the words “This land must change or land must burn.”

It might not be apparent at first, but “Treat Yo Mama” by John Butler Trio isn’t encouraging us to mind our manners around dear old mum. Instead it’s a plea to treat Mama Nature with all the respect she so rightly deserves.

Here’s something a little more mainstream to finish up on. Crowded House were really ahead of their time when it came to local bands singing about our impact on the world. With “Weather With You” the band told us very simply that no matter what we’re doing, we’re having a profound effect on the environment around us. It’s definitely something to think about!

Stars Raise Awareness of Climate Change

You may have seen Cate Blanchett talking about the Who On Earth Cares website on TV, but she’s not the only Australian celebrity supporting this fantastic climate change site.

Felix Riebl (The Cat Empire), Mark Seymour, Mia Dyson, Katie Noonan, and Jen Cloher have joined more than 13, 000 Australians who’ve signed on to raise awareness of this key environmental issue.

“I care about climate change because this world is an amazing, wonderful place, and I find it depressing to think that I was part of a species that wrecked so much of that beauty,” Felix says on his Who on Earth Cares profile.

“I am concerned about climate change because it will make the very world unliveable if we let climate change continue its course,” added Mia Dyson.

So don’t let it happen! Join these celebrities and sign up on the website. You’ll be inspired by the cool energy saving tips. The site will even help you compose a letter encouraging your local government member to develop more responsible climate change policies. But my favourite part is the interactive map, which lets you read what other environmentally conscious folks are doing in your neighbourhood. Check it out!

Image source: Stuart Sevastos @ Wikimedia Commons