Björk Expresses Optimism for Planet’s Future: “Apocalypses Have Always Existed, and Biology Prevails”

Björk’s Hope for the Planet

Björk expressed her optimism for the planet’s future, stating that “biology always wins.”

In a recent interview with Paper, the Icelandic singer-songwriter shared her excitement for 2025, despite the pressing threats facing the Earth.

• READ MORE: Björk Interview: “First you create a universe with sound and then you move into it”

Activism and the Future

“There have always been apocalypses,” she remarked. “We had Noah and the flood, we had plagues. This narrative has always existed, and now it’s about activism and being part of the solution.”

“Additionally, we need the courage to envision the future and actively inhabit it. Inspiring change within your local community or any place you believe you can make an impact is crucial.”

Björk has consistently championed environmental protection and debuted her new climate-focused project, the Cornucopia concert film, last September as part of Climate Week 2024. This project is set to stream on Apple TV this Friday (January 24).

The artist expressed to Paper that she struggles to watch certain “post-apocalyptic shows or movies,” remarking, “It’s as if you’ve just given up—nihilism, self-pity, the notion that surrendering is acceptable (laughs). I don’t support the concept of giving up.”

Preserving Humanity

She emphasized: “It’s about discovering how we can maintain humanity and soul in the future societies we build, where nature and technology collaborate. I believe it’s achievable. Biology will respond to imagination; biology will prevail. Biology always wins.”

Björk acknowledged that society is collectively “faced with a very difficult situation,” but she is confident that we will “get through it.” She believes the most critical step is to accept the current reality for what it is.

“We must establish climate agreements that are achievable, continually refining them until we find success. I hope that when the next generation assumes power, they will approach these issues differently and develop alternative solutions and green lifestyles.”

Describing the new Cornucopia film as a “statement,” she explained: “It’s about rejecting the wave of post-apocalyptic films being produced today. It critiques the self-pity of civilization, likening it to the gradual sinking of the Titanic and the destructive nature of Western civilization—the narcissism inherent in it.”

“The concert opens with a sci-fi fantasy vibe, but there’s a sobering moment with the Manifest when I proclaim, “Throw it away!” discussing the Paris Climate Agreement. If we perceive any climate agreements we aim for as utterly unattainable, we’ll never accomplish those goals.”

In a 2022 conversation with NME, Björk noted the positive impact of youth activism: “Gen Z is remarkably radical, and I’m delighted that environmental issues are important to them—I’m fully supportive! Much of what fills the news today will be irrelevant in 20 years. The true measure is how we treat the environment.”

The singer previously collaborated with Greta Thunberg on an environmental manifesto during her 2019 Cornucopia tour. In 2022, they appeared together on the World Review podcast to discuss climate change, greenwashing, politics, and other topics.

In a 2022 interview with NME, Björk expressed optimism regarding future leaders addressing climate change and advocating for women and gender minorities.

“There’s been a significant shift, which is difficult to relay to those younger than me,” she stated. “Just observing the rise of female rappers in the US now; this was unimaginable in the 80s.”

The following year, Björk collaborated with Rosalía to combat open-pen salmon farming in Iceland.

How Consequence notes, one of the initial actions of the new US President Donald Trump upon his return to the White House was to sign an order to withdraw from the Paris climate agreements for the second time.

In other developments, Björk shared insights about how her touring approach has evolved in recent years, allowing her to “really live a full life.”