Australia to be part of Climate Live international concert series

Australia is one of 43 countries to be part of the Climate Live concert series set for 2021.

It will be a Live Aid-style youth-led event, held on two dates, April 24 and October 16, to include musicians, First Nations speakers, scientists and climate activists.

19-year-old Frances Fox, who founded Climate Live, said, “I started Climate Live in spring 2019, after being inspired by an interview in which Brian May said there should be a Live Aid for the climate crisis.

“I thought this was a brilliant idea to engage more young people in the movement, with our own spin, so immediately started messaging activists from all over the world!”

The acts to perform are not announced yet, but among those who are helping to organise are Glass Animals and English singer-songwriters Declan McKenna and Sam Fender, with shows of support from Groove Armada and The Wombats.

The April date will include the US, UK and Japan.

Australia’s concert is on the second date, and coordinated by School Strike 4 Climate Australia – made up of students who strike from attending school to spotlight slow action by politicians – and Green Music Australia.

School Strike 4 Climate Australia and Green Music Australia already work together on projects.

Currently, they’re producing Season 3 of Climate Fridays, a weekly livestream that showcases original music and panel discussions with artists, young activists and First Nations guests, and hosted by triple j Roots ‘N All presenter Nkechi Anele and Dan Rennie.

Upcoming episodes include In Hearts Wake (November 27), William Crighton (December 4), Gretta Ray and winners of their climate songwriting competition (11) and Kim Churchill (18).

Berish Bilander, CEO and campaigner at Green Music Australia said, “The Australian music industry is calling for an end to gas expansion in First Nations communities.

“If we’re serious about keeping our planet safe for future generations, we need to quit digging up coal and gas, move to renewables, and start listening to the original inhabitants of this land.

“Climate Fridays offers music lovers the chance to join the conversation, hear some great tunes and get active on the most important issue of our time.”