Musicians sing ‘Love Song to the Earth’

Paul McCartney, Jon Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow and other recording artists have come together on a song to support the UN Secretary-General’s leadership on climate change and the United Nations’ call for a universal, global climate change agreement to be signed by governments in December.

“Love Song to the Earth” features performances by McCartney, Bon Jovi, Crow, Fergie, Colbie Caillat, Natasha Bedingfield, Leona Lewis, Sean Paul, Johnny Rzeznik, Krewella, Angelique Kidjo, Kelsea Ballerini, Nicole Scherzinger, Christina Grimmie, Victoria Justice and Q’Orianka Kilcher.

Songwriter Toby Gad said, “When the UN asked me to write a song about climate change, I felt honored and inspired. So, my friends and I wrote ‘Love Song to the Earth’ focusing on a positive message about how precious our only planet is.”

“We wanted to write a song that is about how when you love something, you look after it,” said Bedingfield. “Many people turn a blind eye, arguing that everything is OK environmentally. The song reminds us that having ownership of our world means taking care of it. Many people in my generation have grown up with fear about the future, and while we know about the environmental issues, we’re unsure if there is any hope. With this song we wanted to talk about the environment in a way that would help people feel empowered to do something rather than be paralyzed by fear.”

The song first was available exclusively on iTunes and Apple Music. The artists, producers and directors of the Love Song project — as well as Apple — are donating their respective proceeds to Friends of the Earth U.S. and the United Nations Foundation.

On Sept. 11, the song was to be released on all major music distribution and streaming services.

A “lyric video” also was to premiere on Sept. 11 and feature film from around the world by cinematographer Louie Schwartzberg and footage of some of the artists, along with scientists, celebrities and people all over the world holding signs reading: “Keep it Safe,” “It’s Our World” and “Love Song to the Earth.”

In December, the world’s leaders will assemble in Paris for COP21 in an effort to sign a global agreement on climate change.

The song’s producers hope that “Love Song to the Earth” will bring the issue to new audiences and inspire them to reach out to their leaders to demand climate action. The artists are asking their fans to “Share the Love Song” and “Take Climate Action Now” by signing a petition to be delivered at the beginning of the climate conference.

“The UN has called for ‘all hands on deck’ to address this global challenge,” said Aaron Sherinian, chief communications and marketing officer of the UN Foundation. “The support, engagement and passion of the creative community are key to engaging new audiences in the call for a meaningful and universal climate change agreement. When UN member states gather in Paris this December, the voices of everyone, especially the entertainment industry, will help ensure the best outcome possible for a better future for all.”