Imagine celebrating your 60th birthday by taking on the government! That's exactly what the iconic Björk did, using her musical platform to fuel a legal battle against the Icelandic State. It's a powerful statement about art, activism, and fighting for what you believe in.
Two years ago, Björk joined forces with Rosalía and Sega Bodega to create the track ‘Oral.’ But this wasn't just another collaboration; all the proceeds were dedicated to supporting a lawsuit initiated by residents of Seyðisfjörður against foreign-owned salmon farming in Iceland. This industry, they argue, poses a significant threat to the delicate Icelandic ecosystem.
Upon the song's release, Björk made her intentions crystal clear: she was backing legal action against the Icelandic government to combat what she sees as destructive fish farming practices. “We have a team of people from the biggest environmental groups in Iceland with lawyers that will take on other open net pen fish farming cases, I would like to thank them all for all their hard voluntary work,” she stated at the time, emphasizing the voluntary nature of the legal work. “Industrial salmon farming in open net pens is horrid for the environment. The farmed salmon goes through immense suffering, and it causes severe harm for our planet. This is an extraordinarily cruel way to make food. The fight against the open net pen industry is a part of the fight for the future of the planet.”
Now, fast forward to her 60th birthday, and Björk is providing a detailed update on how the funds generated by ‘Oral’ have been used. In an Instagram post marking the song's two-year anniversary, she outlined four specific cases that have benefited from the proceeds.
“Today we are celebrating the 2 year anniversary of releasing “oral” with @rosalia.vt. I would like to thank her personally for this overgenerous gesture…you are everything…thank you!!! And all of you that supported our cause, it went beyond our wildest dreams how many took part…thank you!!!” she wrote, expressing her gratitude for the overwhelming support.
Björk continued, explaining the core purpose of the initiative: “the income all went into supporting Iceland to not be all submerged in the fish-farming industries…to invent a new legal environment to protect nature.” This is a crucial point: it's not just about stopping individual farms, but about creating a legal framework that prioritizes environmental protection. And this is the part most people miss... it's about systemic change.
Björk then went on to detail the four cases they had been working on, showcasing the tangible impact of the collaborative effort. “The first one is the original one I talked about, in Seyðisfjörður, to help locals stop the licensing process of a fish-farm to happen in their fjord against their will. Second: a more precise legal-case about the marine spatial planning in Seyðisfjörður. Third: Westfjord fish-farm-escapee cases in Tálknafjörður and Patreksfjörður. 4th: Sandeyri: to stop fish-farm that was built against a farmers will.” These cases represent a multi-pronged approach, tackling licensing, spatial planning, and the consequences of farm escapes.
But here's where it gets controversial... On “21/11/25” – her 60th birthday – they were filing a new case “today” and “summoning the Icelandic state.” “Stay tuned for this one because this landowner is nowhere near giving up and neither are we,” she boldly declared. This signals a direct confrontation with the government, a move that is sure to generate debate and discussion.
Björk further emphasized the long-term vision, stating: “because of your generosity we are able to continue with more cases that will hopefully help with marine and water protection on a larger scale that we meet the 30 by 30 goal (to protect at least 30% of land and sea by 2030). I wish these can become exemplary cases in some way for all of you.” The "30 by 30 goal" is a global initiative advocating for the protection of at least 30% of the world's land and oceans by 2030. Björk's actions are directly contributing to this ambitious target.
In a previous interview with NME, Björk elaborated on her unwavering commitment to environmental protection, finding hope in the activism of young people. She said: “Gen Z-ers are really radical, and I’m relieved that the environment is a priority for them – I’m up for it! When I read the news, most of it won’t matter in 20 years. The only thing that really matters is how we deal with the environment.”
Beyond her environmental activism, Björk remains a prominent figure in the music world. Recently, she reunited with Rosalía, along with Yves Tumor, for the new single ‘Berghain.’ The single is the lead track from Rosalía's album ‘LUX.’ The orchestral track, named after the iconic Berlin techno club, features lyrics in German, Spanish, and English, blending classical influences with modern sounds.
Björk expressed her excitement about the collaboration, stating: “It is so thrilling to watch this woman grow. Congratulations to her with this incredible album … This concept is fierce!”
So, what do you think about Björk's approach? Is it effective to use art and celebrity status to challenge government policies? Does the end justify the means when it comes to environmental activism? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
