What do U2, Radiohead, Kaiser Chiefs, Coldplay, Green Day, The Killers, Fall Out Boy, Maroon 5 and Amy Winehouse have in common? Here’s a clue: it isn’t rock n’ roll music. These artists are all environmentalists. Although environmentalism has occasionally become an area of interest for musicians since the 1960s, environmentally conscious musicians and music fans are now present more than ever. Aware of worldwide environmental issues, these artists all support the Artists Project Earth (APE). Through music and the arts, APE aims to achieve permanent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, raise awareness of climate change and provide funds for natural disaster relief.

APE’s first musical project dates back to November 2006. The album Rhythms del Mundo Cuba was packaged in cardboard rather than plastic to reduce the environmental impact. Hawaiian musician Jack Johnson, also featured on the album, said at the time: “Short term upside – less jackets in the winter. Long term downside – a potentially uninhabitable environment due to our lack of awareness. Every choice that we make as consumers sends a message. Buy from companies that are making a real effort to lessen their environmental impact. Support renewable energy whenever possible and put the pressure on your elected government officials to do the same.” The album was a success and all profits went to APE.

Yet, mentalities aren’t changing fast enough. Remember Michael Jackson’s 1995 controversial “Earth song” video? An elephant killed for its tusks, destruction of nature through war and deforestation of the Amazonian Rainforest. It was Michael Jackson’s first song to overtly deal with the environment and animal welfare. He used his video to support the Heal the World foundation and urged people to help by donating money. Sadly, 14 years later, the video is still topical.

Kenny Young, Founder and Trustee of APE stresses the need for change: “Global warming is now in the news daily. If we don’t act in the time frame our experts give us, our grandchildren will curse us eternally.” APE has funded 139 projects around the world working to halt climate change.

More and more young artists sing about environmental issues, trying to sound an alarm through their music. Some environmental songs even make have made it into the charts! Miley Cyrus’ pop-rock song “Wake up America” refers to global warming and going green, and explains how each little step individuals take matter. Will.I.AM has also created an Internet stir with his enviro track “Take Back the Planet.”

Exciting new bands are emerging. With powerful lyrics concentrating on environmental and other social issues, these environmentally-oriented bands are trying to make a difference. For example, Truth on Earth, features three sisters: “We write songs to help create awareness about specific problems that we are working on solving. You can make a difference by buying our CD or downloading our songs on iTunes. 70% of our profits go to supporting the causes we feel are making a difference.” Even rock metal punk bands have gone green! Already around for a while, Resistant culture is planting seeds of organic lyrics. For example, their song entitled “Contamination” criticizes the use of pesticides.

Do you think music can change the world? I do! Help your child start his or her own environmental rock band. They might make a difference on the road to fame.

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