By Sangeeta Waldron

Global warming is a real threat and the planet is in a very precarious state, where the changes to our weather patterns can be felt with each passing year. As our world continues to get warmer, it is impacting the forests, oceans and Arctic belts, altering their natural state beyond repair. This destabilized natural cycle has real adverse effects on humans, animals and plant life. Raising awareness of this looming catastrophe, Louis XIII cognac, produced by Rémy Martin has teamed up with American musician and international star, Pharrell Williams, who has written a new song, to be released in 2117.

Creative Collaboration on Climate Change: “100 Years”

This creative, environmental collaboration is about climate change and the song is fittingly called, “100 Years.” The track is a statement about the disastrous effect humans are having on the environment, particularly on the rising sea levels, and if we continue to contribute to the rising sea level, then sadly in a 100 years our future generations may not get to hear the song.

Exclusive Record and Environmental Initiative

If sea levels continue to rise at such an alarming rate due to climate change, scientists project that in 100 years a significant portion of the world’s land might be underwater. This exclusive song is recorded onto a record made of clay from the chalky soil of Cognac and stored in the cellars of LOUIS XIII, which is a state-of-the-art safe that is only destructible when submerged in water.

Pharrell and LOUIS XIII’s Climate Change Initiative

LOUIS XIII partnered with Pharrell on this innovative project, to get music to shine a light on the issue of climate change, as both share a dedication to environmental issues. Ludovic du Plessis, Global Executive Director of LOUIS XIII says, “This project is an exciting creative exploration of the way our actions today shape the world of tomorrow. Nature and time are at the heart of what we do.”

Music as a Tool for Awareness

Collaborations like this are clever ways to bring awareness of climate change to urban communities, helping to broaden the current climate movement. Music has always played a big role in defining moments in our history. The Vietnam war gave rise to the beginning of a rock and pop music youth movement in the 1960s; and musicians have been seen campaigning for a fairer world, often taking part in fundraising-events whenever there is a natural disaster. In the 1980’s when Ethiopia and Sudan were hit by drought, concerned musicians in UK and US united and recorded the song ‘We Are The World’ to raise money to help.

Pharrell’s Environmental Advocacy Through Music

Pharrell has long been passionate about preserving the environment and the importance of human action to address climate change. He has said in Vogue, “I think it’s important that every human being—from the most eco-aware person to someone that’s driving a diesel truck—always has a sense of terrestrial awareness. That’s what it boils down to.” Pharrell’s song is a creative expression of the delicate relationship between nature and time, and the effect humans have on their environment.

LOUIS XIII’s Legacy and Forward-Thinking Approach

LOUIS XIII is a brand that invests in its legacy and is always thinks a century ahead. Each of its decanters represents the life achievement of generations of Cellar Masters. Since its origins in 1874, each generation of cellar master selects from the cellars the oldest and most precious eaux-de-vie for LOUIS XIII. Now, its Cellar Master is setting aside the finest eaux-de-vie, as a legacy to their successors for the coming century. Therefore, creating this partnership with Pharrell is a campaign about legacy with the hashtag – #Ifwecare

Progress and Hope in Climate Action

Thankfully, not all is doom and gloom, and there is hope as governments address these climate issues. There are numerous European countries including Germany and several US states such as California, who are making steady progress toward decarbonizing their economies. By 2020, pressure on India’s water, air, soil, and forests is expected to become the highest in the world and is one of the most vulnerable nations globally to the long-term impact of climate change due to its geographical location. The Indian government recognizes these challenges and has set ambitious goals to reduce emissions by switching to renewable energy and electric vehicles.

Looking Ahead and Taking Responsibility

The world and its environment, never had to be this way. But with each decade of delay and denial the impacts and costs of climate change have continued to mount. We can’t turn back the clock, but we can all become accountable. It’s not easy for humans to look far into the future; but the stakes with climate change are uniquely high and the damages to the planet and society are enormous. Collectively, we all need to look a few centuries down the road and imagine what kind of world we will be leaving for our descendants.

Ensuring the Future of the Song

Therefore, the only way to ensure that this original piece of music will be heard again in 2117, a century from now, is if we together address the tragic consequences of global warming – if we do not change our way of living, future generations will not be able to hear this song. #Ifwecare

About the author

Sangeeta Waldron is India CSR’s Contributing Global Editor. She is based in London, UK writes on international affairs, broadening India CSR’s news scope to bring you the best stories from around the world.