Batiste sees music as more than entertainment—it’s a tool to awaken and mobilize. “As an artist, you have to make a statement,” he said during an interview with Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration focused on environmental issues. The refrain of “Petrichor”—“they burning the planet down”—doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of climate change, pointing to the “blanket of pollution” from fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal, as well as deforestation. Yet, the song’s upbeat tempo reflects Batiste’s belief that change is possible, even joyful. “It’s important when you’re changing the world, you have a good time while you’re doing it,” he told AFP.
The title “Petrichor,” evoking the scent of earth after rain, symbolizes a return to balance—a reminder that solutions like clean energy are within reach. Batiste emphasizes that switching to renewable technologies, such as solar and wind, is a practical step that can preserve the planet. His optimism is grounded in data: the 89 Percent Project, launched by Covering Climate Now and its partners, highlights that 80 to 89% of people worldwide support stronger climate action, a sentiment Batiste echoes. “There’s an overwhelming majority of people that believe in clean energy,” he said, joined by his mother, who added, “We believe in science.”
New Orleans as a Warning for the World
For Batiste, New Orleans is more than home—it’s a cautionary tale. “New Orleans, to me, is the soul of America,” he said, calling it “a warning” that climate-driven disasters can strike anywhere. The city’s vulnerability, worsened by inadequate levees and poor federal preparedness during Katrina, underscores the global stakes of climate inaction. Experts note that climate change intensified Katrina’s impact, with warmer ocean waters fueling stronger winds and heavier flooding. Today, New Orleans’ new flood defenses face the risk of being overwhelmed by rising sea levels and more frequent storms.
Batiste’s message extends beyond the U.S., urging global awareness. “It’s something the whole planet needs to be worried about,” he said, pointing to shifting weather patterns—hotter summers, erratic storms—that signal a world out of balance. His song, written on a tour bus crisscrossing the U.S., speaks to a younger generation that may feel disconnected from traditional news but can be reached through art. By blending jazz, hip-hop, and blues, Batiste makes the climate crisis relatable, using “rhythm and poetry” to turn apathy into action.
The Role of People Power
Batiste’s activism is rooted in a family legacy. His mother worked on environmental issues for the U.S. government in Louisiana, and his grandfather, David Gauthier, was a union leader who supported civil rights causes. This heritage informs Batiste’s belief in “people power” as the key to change. “People have to think about how all of the democracies are set up, which is based on raising your voice and insisting and voting the right people into office,” he said. His call to action is clear: individuals can demand accountability from leaders, pushing for policies that prioritize clean energy and sustainability.
The artist also highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities. Research shows that less wealthy people and people of color, like those in New Orleans during Katrina, often bear the brunt of environmental disasters. Batiste’s music aims to amplify their voices, encouraging collective action to address these inequities. His upcoming tour, including performances at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, will feature an extended version of “Petrichor,” keeping the message alive on stage.
Art as a Catalyst for Solutions
Batiste draws inspiration from jazz drummer Art Blakey, who said music can “wash away the dust of everyday life.” For Batiste, this means using art to connect directly with listeners, sparking both awareness and hope. “When you make a song, you want to inspire people, but you also want to let them know what they can do,” he said. His approach aligns with Pope Francis’ view of Earth as a “sacred planet,” a shared home that demands stewardship. Conducting the interview at New York’s Middle Church, whose motto is “Just love,” Batiste emphasized the moral imperative to act.
The artist’s vision is practical yet profound. He points to clean energy technologies—already available and widely supported—as a straightforward solution to reduce the pollution driving climate change. By framing the issue in music, Batiste makes it accessible, encouraging listeners to engage politically and socially. His work challenges the notion that climate action is daunting, instead presenting it as an opportunity for unity and progress.
A Legacy of Resilience and Hope
Batiste’s Big Money album, with “Petrichor” as a centerpiece, reflects his multifaceted identity as a musician and activist. Known for his time as bandleader on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and his protest performances after George Floyd’s murder, Batiste has long used his platform to address social issues. His New Orleans roots, steeped in both musical tradition and activism, fuel his commitment to climate advocacy. As he embarks on a 50-show U.S. tour, Batiste plans to keep the conversation going, blending entertainment with a call for change.
The scars of Katrina remain—abandoned neighborhoods, displaced families—but Batiste sees hope in collective action. His music, infused with the spirit of New Orleans, serves as both a warning and an invitation. By dancing to the beat of “Petrichor,” listeners are urged to join the fight for a balanced, sustainable future, proving that art can be a powerful force for change.
