Besides COVID-19, climate change is a hot topic around the world, and Pearl Jam have taken note featuring activist Greta Thunberg in their new music video for ‘Retrograde’.

Although the news has been jam-packed with COVID-19 articles, climate change is still at the forefront of political and musician minds. Sir Paul McCartney has opened up about his climate views, and Ally Morgan has released an anthem about climate change.

Now, U.S. alt-rockers Pearl Jam have released their latest music video, and featuring climate change activist Greta Thunberg amongst apocalyptic backgrounds. The video lasts nearly six-minutes, where the watercolour film takes us through a visit to a psychic who reveals the upcoming fates of the world.

The video takes us through several monuments around the globe such as the London Bridge in the U.K., Paris’ Eiffel Tower, and the outfit’s own hometowns idol, the Seattle Space Needle, going through damaging weather caused by climate change. It also features ice caps melting, Australia’s horrific wild fires, and many more catastrophic events happening around the globe.

Portrayed mainly at a tarot card reading in a late-night psychic shop, the video shows member after member of Pearl Jam, as well as other prominent global citizens, popping up only to be met with doom and gloom when it comes to the climate.

Now, where does Greta Thunberg fit in? She’s portrayed as the psychic delivering all the news. As the 17-year-old Swedish girl has been attempting to convince the leaders of the world to pay true attention to the climate emergency we are in.

Directed by Australian filmmaker Josh Wakely, who’s also got an Emmy award under his belt, the video wraps up with one last chilling plea: “It’s gonna take much more than ordinary love.”

Love Classic Rock?

Get the latest Classic Rock news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more

Check out Pearl Jam’s ‘Retrograde’ circling around climate change:

YouTube VideoPlay

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine