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!