Reflection

Many people recognize Billie Eilish for her chart-breaking hits, iconic fashion style, or astounding collection of Grammy awards won at age 18. Most do not think of her as a typical “climate hero.” As a longtime fan of the singer-songwriter, I did not know her outspoken enthusiasm extended to climate change activism. I had always jammed out to her single “all the good girls go to hell” without understanding its message. After diving into the lyrics, I now realize that this song is indeed a message of warning about the climate crisis. In Billie’s song, divine beings criticize the human race for destroying the Earth and pleading for external help. In my parody, I focus on Billie herself as a leader among young artists raising awareness about climate change. I point out that all the “young ones” are taking a stance as they climb the record and radio charts, yet many listeners seem deaf to their message. In the rewritten verses, I express my own disappointment and anger toward the burden that has been placed on younger generations to “fix” the environmental damage caused by older ones. Throughout my research behind this particular song, I learned of many other activist efforts and projects that reflect Billie Eilish’s commitment to the environment. For example, she partnered with Greenpeace in 2019 for a public service announcement urging environmental action. Her recent Happier Than Ever World Tour in 2022 mandated strict recycling and no-plastic policies. Unlike most artists of her celebrity, Billie refuses to fly in private planes and is known for working out unusual travel arrangements to reduce her carbon footprint. During this tour, she worked with the nonprofit organization REVERB to build “Eco-Villages” at her concert sites, promoting free reusable bottle-filling stations (and relieving fans of expensive bottled water costs at stadiums). These programs also helped amplify the goals of local environmental nonprofits and educate youth about sustainable practices. Culminating at the O2 arena in London, Billie launched a six-day climate awareness conference named after her song “Overheated.” This event featured a Youth Activist Zone, screenings of the Overheated documentary, and a host of other performers, sustainable fashion designers, and campaigners. Speaking of fashion, Billie physically embodies her advocacy for sustainable design, too. Her 2022 Met Gala gown by Gucci was made entirely out of upcycled materials with vegan shoes. Billie used the following year’s gown, designed by Oscar de la Renta, to secure a guarantee from the brand to stop selling fur. Long before hitting red carpets, Billie recalls crafting unique outfits out of cloth scraps, vintage finds, and repurposed home decor. Most recently, on Vogue’s January 2023 cover, Billie invited eight other young activists to join her in conversation about the climate crisis, filmed by Academy Award–nominated writer and director Mike Mills. What I find most admirable about this artist is her passion for broadcasting not only her own opinions but those of others as well. She is the first to admit her influence as a climate activist is limited given her role as a pop star, but I believe she underestimates her power. As a hobbyist singer-songwriter myself, I have continuously been inspired by Billie Eilish to believe that I have a voice at all. Though I have no professional aspirations in music, her music has taught me the importance of honoring my values and opening up discussion regarding what I care about. Above all, she has instilled in me hope that all of us young ones can and will rise to the challenge of tackling climate change.