All About Jazz is not an academic journal, but once in a while, a little academic insight may not hurt. Two psychologists from McGill University have published an interesting piece in Impact: The Journal of the Center for Interdisciplinary Teaching & Learning produced by the College of General Studies at Boston University. In "Waking Up to No Sound: Music Psychology and Climate Action," Lindsey Fleming and Daniel Levitin write:

"Music is a cultural universal and for centuries has been used to bind people together, change their minds, and promote participation in group enterprises for social change Incorporating music psychology principles into climate action campaigns, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives can tap into the emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of human behavior, fostering a deeper connection to environmental concerns and inspiring positive changes for a more sustainable future.

"Climate change represents the most serious threat to survival in all human history. It is already responsible for more heat waves, extreme weather, the spread of disease, increasing pollution, and reduced productivity. In addition to direct effects like storms, floods, and fires, we are facing indirect effects including decreased crop yields, overwhelmed water systems, hospital shutdowns, loss of homes, and increased mental health problems. Climate scientists unanimously and unequivocally agree: the increase of CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere over the industrial era is the result of human activities."

Fleming and Levitin then go on to consider the various ways in which music has, can and will be used to promote various forms of social action—and action on climate change in one of them.