EarthSonic Panel: Using sound to understand our planet and collaborate with nature

Sound plays an integral role in helping us both understand the biodiversity around us - to measure what is there, where it is, the quantity of species and the diversity of species and also allows us to collaborate with nature in ways that have not been possible before - bringing to life the sounds of extinct species, or collaborating with a glacier - all to help raise awareness of the biodiversity on the planet, the impact of climate change and how we can protect our planet. 

 Some of these sounds - like whale song, the sounds of receding glaciers, or last recordings of extinct species - will be reworked by leading musicians as part of EarthSonic, creating music that engages and inspires a wider global audience around tackling climate change. The interest in working with nature is fast becoming a global movement.

This panel hears from some musicians for whom nature sounds are an integral part of their work and explores why they choose to make music in this way and use sound to understand the world around us. We will also hear from those who are writing and speaking about the intersection between music, nature and positive action. 

Speakers:

Joseph Dean, Natural Symphony
Ludwig Berger, artist
Ruth Daniel, CEO and Artistic Director of In Place of War and Earthsonic
Martyn Ware, Founding member of Human League, Heaven 17 and BEF
Sean Adams, DiS, Moderator

The music sector plays a significant role in both culture and the economy, but it also has great potential and a platform to contribute to sustainability and environmental protection.

Discussions about music and the environment often focus on live events—touring, large-scale concerts, air travel, plastic cups, and more—which are undeniably crucial issues. However, for songwriters, artists, record labels, publishers, and other music businesses, these topics can sometimes feel somewhat distant.

The upcoming seminar introduces inspiring initiatives within the music industry that contribute to the fight against climate change across various sectors of the industry.

With:
Saria Tourbah (EarthSonic)
Larry Jaffee (Thermal Beets Records)
Becky Young (EarthPercent)

Celebrate the end of a week of Go Global activities with this exclusive multimedia event drawing on the creative works by young people from the 100 Creative Agents of Climate Change project with the global charity In Place of War.

With:
Iggor Cavalera (Sepultura/Soulwax) & Laima Leyton (Soulwax)
Tarrak (Greenlandic Rapper)
Young activists collaborating with mentors from Brazil, Zimbabwe, and Uruguay

Sounds & Bombs - Music and Art in Conflict Zones

SIM São Paulo is a leading international music conference, bringing together artists, industry professionals, and experts to discuss the role of music in social transformation, as well as fostering creative collaborations across global music communities.

Does culture survive in times of war? Art and music are powerful forms of resistance in conflict zones, offering hope and resilience. The panel explores how artists use sound and imagery to communicate, resist, and rebuild identities. Sarah Williams, CEO of IMPEL and advisor to Earth Percent, discusses music’s role in peacebuilding in war-torn areas. Ruth Daniel, founder of In Place of War, highlights the arts' role in healing conflict-affected populations. Clayton Nascimento, actor and writer, shares insights from his play Macacos. Maria Vilani, writer and educator, focuses on the impact of conflict on communities in São Paulo. Natália Ventura from Fábricas de Cultura emphasizes art’s transformative power in vulnerable communities. Together, these voices explore the relationship between art, emotion, and resilience in times of destruction.

With:
Ruth Daniel - EarthSonic, In Place of War
Bruno Ramos - National Coordinator of the Funk Movement
Maria Vilani - Writer & Educator
Natália Ventura - Artist, Singer, Composer
Sarah Williams - CEO IMPEL, Palestine Music Expo

The Electronic Music Sector’s Role in Climate Action

Music has a power unlike any other to unite people around making change. The science is there, but people are not engaging. New music movements aim to inspire action and systemic change. Whether it be working with the sounds of nature, or using natural resources to make music - these music initiatives aim to do just that. Hear from a range of music projects and organisations who are telling the story of our planet and climate change, and those affected by it across the world and why it’s important and why it has to be told now. Time is running out and we call on music to be the answer.

Ruth Daniel - EarthSonic / In Place of War (Moderator)
Claire O’Neill - A Greener Future
Gudmundur Isfeld - Thermal Beets
Matthew Dear - DJ/Producer
Eli Goldstein - Soul Clap Records and DJs 4 Climate Action

Join the conversation here

Music and Wellbeing: Doing What We Love the Most

Music has long been recognized for its healing powers—relieving stress, boosting the immune system, and even serving as an alternative form of therapy. Yet, paradoxically, those who dedicate their lives to creating music often face high levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout. Why is this happening in a field that should inspire joy and fulfillment? Are we setting unrealistic expectations for creators? What changes need to be made to foster a healthier, more supportive environment for artists?

With: Nis Bøgvad (Europe in Synch / Act in Synch), Saria Tourbah (EarthSonic, In Place of War), Kiss Nuka (Artist), Tianna Amore (In Place of War 100 Agents of Climate Change, Filmmaker and Activist), Dr Michelle Ulor (Music Psychologist, DJ, VC/Startup Consultant)

Music Industry Climate Initiatives: Art as a Driver for Change

Act in Synch is a community building conference that brings together leaders from across industries to tackle climate change. The event celebrates human creativity, music, storytelling and the future generation of artists.

Panel Discussion co-created with Hearth Summit Athens:Music related climate campaigns that change our behaviour, What is out there? Whats the results? How can you join the movements?

With: Becky Young (Earth Percent), Misia Furtak (Music Declares Emergency, Musician), Vickie Amiralis (In Place of War / EarthSonic), Tori Tsui (Activist and Climate Advisory Board member at EarthSonic), Nis Bøgvad (Act in Synch)

WOMEX is the world’s most international and culturally diverse music meeting, as well as the largest conference for the global music scene.

Each October, it brings together over 2,600 professionals, including 260 performing artists, from 90 countries. With its trade fair, talks, films, and showcase concerts, WOMEX has established itself as the leading networking platform for the world music industry. Its musical spectrum is unmatched, spanning from traditional sounds to the cutting-edge global underground, embracing folk, roots, jazz, diaspora cultures, and urban and electronic genres from across the globe.

This year, In Place of War wins the WOMEX 24 Professional Excellence Award!

MUSIC, CLIMATE ACTION AND CHANGE

Music has a power unlike any other to unite people around making change. The science is there, but people are not engaging. New music movements aim to inspire action and systemic change. Whether it be working with the sounds of nature, or using natural resources to make music - these music initiatives aim to do just that. Hear from a range of music projects and organisations who are telling the story of our planet and climate change, and those affected by it across the world and why it’s important and why it has to be told now. Time is running out and we call on music to be the answer.

With: Sigtryggur Baldursson, Jakob Frímann Magnússon, Ruth Daniel (EarthSonic), Gudmundur Isfeld (Thermal Beets Records), Nis Bøgvad (Act in Synch), Thor Magnusson (Intelligent Instruments Lab)

In September 2024, 8 young people supported by the 100 Agents of Climate Change programme attended a 3-day in-person residency programmed by In Place of War. The residency offered participants knowledge and skills relating to topics such as organisation-building, community engagement, ecology, biomimicry and media training. Sessions were delivered by artists and activists from In Place of War’s changemaker network, bringing decades of experience from around the globe.

The residency was hosted by XCottage, a collective-run arts space, hosting artists and activists for residencies, retreats and live events. The team at XCottage are in the process of rewilding its surroundings and cultivating fruits, herbs and vegetables, with the aim of improving the local ecosystem while becoming self-sufficent.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN MUSIC, BEST PRACTICES FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

The SDGs are not just numbers and icons; they unite professionals in the music industry to share best practices. From Earth Percent to the Heroes festival, passing through Great Escape, music serves social responsibility. with: Sarah Williams (Palestinian Music Expo / CEO impel publishing / Earth Percent), Ottavia Ortolani (Communication and Advocacy Project Manager), Sarah Parisio (Music Innovation Hub), Gianni Zichichi (We Green You), Stephen Budd (Great Escape-MMF), Vanessa Rosano (Legambiente), Ruth Daniel (In Place of War-remote) moderator: Silvia Danielli Billboard