“E sussurra canzoni tra le foglie”. Cambiamento climatico e sostenibilità nella popular music italiana

This essay aims to explore the themes of climate change and sustainability, as well as the broader relationship between humanity and nature, as expressed in Italian popular music starting from the Sixties, a pivotal era when the first signs of ecological awareness began to emerge in song lyrics. Noteworthy tracks like Eppure soffia by Bertoli (1976) serve as key examples, alongside a close examination of more contemporary compositions from the recent musical landscape. Through a detailed analysis of song lyrics, this essay reveals how the personal sensitivities of individual artists have evolved in tandem with wider cultural and social awareness. This evolution is reflected not only in the themes of the music but also in performance styles and the dynamics between audience and performer, occasionally influencing the processes of cultural production and consumption. Special attention is devoted to the work of the Veneto singer-songwriter Erica Boschiero, particularly her 2022 tour MusicForForests, as well as to the repertoire of the Piedmontese band Yo Yo Mundi. Both artists exemplify how music can serve as a vehicle for ecological consciousness and a platform for advocating sustainability.