2022
about the 2022 prize
24 songs were selected by Environmental Leaders, Music Ambassadors and Impact Partners for their ability to connect us to nature, make us reflect and inspire us to take action for climate and conservation.
They reflect a rich diversity of musical styles, moods and attitudes, as well as Australia’s vibrant multicultural society.
Read about the songs and the artists’ motivations on their Artist pages below.
'If Not Now, Then When?' BY king gizzard and the lizard wizard WAS THE PUBLICLY-VOTED WINNER OF THE 2023 ENVIRONMENTAL MUSIC PRIZE.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard’s Environmental Music Prize-winning song calls for action amidst the normalised calamity.
The joyousness of the groove belies the urgent message for climate and nature.
“I’ve written quite a few songs about climate change, but after the blacksummer bushfires in 2019-2020, shit started to feel dire. It still feels dire – more dire.
We need actual, real, tangible action from our leaders, otherwise what are they there for? Why are we not doing everything we humanly can to right our wrongs? When we’re literally on fire, why not now? If not now, then when?”
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We are deeply grateful for their decision to donate their $20,000 prize to The Wilderness Society.
DISCOVER THE 2022 FINALISTS
Addicted To The Sunshine
Get up off your towel and respect the sunshine and the environment that we all love!
Can't Take The Ocean Out Of Me
A love song to Mother Ocean, an anthem for protection of our coastline, a celebration of the intrinsic connection to our oceanic source.
Hey Wanhaka
A love story of planet earth – the Lorrpu (white cockatoo) is sending out a message to all humans, celebrating culture, life, nature and a love for the land and sea.
If Not Now Then When
A rhetorical warped groove into post-eco apocalypse – if not now, then when do we act?
In Love With This Place
I’m in love with this place, if I could show you your heart would change.
Messin' Me Up
A broody crescendo of energy, at a poignant moment in human history.
Mother
A powerful song that calls for urgency in addressing climate change.
Our Song
A community-driven song that you stream for a greener planet, with all royalties going to Wild Ark
Port Road
This is a portal. This is a chance. An opportunity to make real change.
Say Something
A call-to-action for climate and reminder that everyone has a voice they can use.
Sky Was Blue - The Bushfire Song
A 31-day bushfire meditation vigil during the Black Summer fires birthed this song
Ta'u Tama
What will we tell our children if we fail to protect the planet?
The Night
My dream is to share a childlike appreciation of the natural world around me through
music. This song about a heartbroken alien observing earth from outer space.
The Truth
A passionate call-to-action on climate change from the voice of youth.
We Are The Youth
Apocalypse pop, inspired by the past and future but made for now.
When A Tree Falls
When a tree falls in the rainforest and no-ones around does it make a sound?
World Migratory Bird Day Virtual Choir
A ballad of bittersweet reflection on one of the world’s greatest natural phenomena, shorebird migration.
Your Country
Taking control of our own future is essential for survival and as part of that we must make government and corporations leave behind greed and embrace symbiosis with nature.