Earth Day 2016: Top songs to get into the green spirit

With sea levels rising, holes in the ozone layer, ice caps melting and forests being decimated at an alarming rate, there are not enough days in the year that focus on the topic of eco-conservation. On the occasion of the 46<sup>th Earth Day on 22 April the subject comes into the spotlight once again.

This year's theme is Trees For The Earth and according to the Earth Day website, increasing greenery is the easiest way we can reduce climate change and its subsequent effects.

In keeping with the spirit of the day, IBTimes UK lists the top songs that celebrate Mother Nature and also address the conservation issues being faced.

Earth Song — Michael Jackson

With burning forests, dead animals, and drought-affected areas, Michael Jackson makes a good argument for nature conversation. It was nominated for a Grammy in 1997 and appreciated by various environment groups across the world.

Mother Nature's Son – Beatles

The Beatles visited India in 1968 to spend time at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Rishikesh. During that time, Paul McCartney wrote this song referencing the natural beauty that surrounded him.

Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology) – Marvin Gaye

Singing about Mother Nature and how she is being ill-treated by humans, Marvin Gaye lent his smooth voice to the powerful lyrics which include lines like, "How much more abuse from man can she stand?"

Where Do The Children Play – Cat Stevens

Singing about how greenery has been taken over by industrial expanses, this Cat Stevens song though written in the 70s, has more relevance today.

Big Yellow Taxi – Joni Mitchell

"They took all the trees, put 'em in a tree museum / And they charged all the people a dollar and a half just to see 'em," Mitchell sang after spotting a large parking lot outside her hotel during her first visit to Miami.

Hungry Planet – The Byrds

Written from the perspective of Earth, the song Hungry Planet talks about extensive mining and deforestation conducted and how she reacts by causing earthquakes and other natural disasters in order to teach man a lesson.

Don't Go Near The Water – Beach Boys

First the Beach Boys spoke about riding the waves and enjoying the ocean, but by 1971 they were warning listeners to keep away from contaminated water with these interesting lines: "Toothpaste and soap will make our oceans a bubble bath/So let's avoid an ecological aftermath."

Down To Earth – Peter Gabriel

Written for the Disney-Pixar film Wall-E, the song is more positive than the others on this list. It imagines a world where people take care of the planet and work to reverse the damages already done to it.