The Use of Songs to Promote the Participation in Environmental Conservation of Chiangmai People

Abstract

Dust and smog pollution, especially the particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) and the particulate matter 10 (PM 10) have been the problems that Chiang Mai people have encountered for about 14 years. Particularly, in the year 2019, the number of small particles measured by the air quality indicator “US AQI” had reached the level of 246, the highest world ranking. This revealed that the government’s effort in undertaking environmental problems was unsuccessful. Therefore, people’s participation is imperative. Music has been composed in the form of songs and used to create inspiration toward environmental conservation for many decades. This article aims to demonstrate the relationship between music and nature, the evolution of songs in inspiring environmental conservation, and the components of music that were used to create inspiration for environmental conservation, and to suggest the elements of the songs that will help promote the participation in environmental conservation of Chiang Mai people. To compose those songs, it is important to consider the target audience’s preferences toward music and create the elements of the music, such as, content, melody, rhythm, and harmony that can meet their music tastes. The songs should contend the essences concerning the appreciation of the local environment, the awareness of environmental issues, and the call for the people’s participation in the environmental conservation in Chiang Mai.