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Pop environmentalism: An ecomusicological analysis of Italian singers Elisa, Francesco Gabbani, and Jovanotti
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Date
2026-04-22
Authors
Gambirasio, Luca
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Equinox Publishing
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Abstract
In recent years, some Italian pop music artists have begun using their art as a platform to raise environmental awareness, with prominent figures leveraging their influence to engage audiences on pressing ecological issues. As climate change and sustainability have taken centre stage globally, Italian musicians like Elisa, Francesco Gabbani, and Jovanotti have responded with projects that blend environmental advocacy with popular entertainment. Through tours, television programmes, and music, these artists have aimed to promote sustainability and raise questions about our relationship with the environment. However, their efforts also reveal the complexities of aligning mass entertainment with ecological ideals, where even well- intentioned actions can lead to unintended environmental impacts. This article examines the nuanced roles these artists play in Italian pop music’s ecological narrative, exploring how their public personas and performances serve to inspire environmental action, highlighting the challenges of achieving truly sustainable entertainment, and questioning its effectiveness.
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Keywords
Ecomusicology , Jovanotti , Francesco Gabbani , Italian popular music , Popular music and environmentalism , Elisa Toffoli , Music and greenwashing , Music festivals and sustainability , Music and neoliberalism
Citation
Gambirasio, L. (2026) 'Pop environmentalism: An ecomusicological analysis of Italian singers Elisa, Francesco Gabbani, and Jovanotti', Journal of World Popular Music, 12(2), pp. 212–235. https://doi.org/10.1558/jwpm.33029
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© 2026, Equinox Publishing Ltd.