Singer Ellie Goulding was recently honored as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her work in biodiversity and climate advocacy. This recognition came as part of the New Year Honours list.
Born Elena Jane Goulding on December 30, 1986, in Hereford, she developed a love for music early on, playing the clarinet and guitar. Her breakthrough came in 2010 when she won the Critics’ Choice Brit Award and topped the BBC’s Sound of 2010 poll. That same year, her debut album Lights, featuring the hit “Starry Eyed,” shot to number one on the UK charts.
Goulding has released other successful albums, including Halcyon (2012) and Brightest Blue (2020), along with her latest, Higher Than Heaven (2023). She has four number one singles, collaborating with notable artists like Tinie Tempah and Calvin Harris.
Notably, in early 2020, her cover of Joni Mitchell’s “River” topped the charts. The accompanying music video promoted environmentalism, showcasing a zero-waste Christmas tree made from beach litter. This blend of music and activism highlights her commitment to sustainability.
With over 15 years in the industry, Goulding has earned several awards, including two Brits and Grammy nominations. Beyond music, she is active in various causes. She participated in the Chime For Change concert, founded by Beyoncé, aiming to raise awareness for women’s rights issues.
Goulding serves as a patron for The Marylebone Project, supporting homeless women, and is an ambassador for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). In 2017, she became a global goodwill ambassador for the UN Environment Programme.
Her activism extends to the fashion industry, as she urged it to adopt sustainable practices during her acceptance of the Eco Award in 2018. She also spoke at the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference, addressing global leaders on conservation issues.
In 2019, she joined Sir David Attenborough for the Our Planet series, showcasing her dedication to environmental causes. A recent initiative saw her collaborate with nature sounds for a track that contributes to conservation funding through streaming royalties.
Amid her busy career and activism, Goulding is also a mother to her son, Arthur, born in 2021. Her journey reflects a blend of artistic success and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
For more in-depth insights, consider exploring The Guardian‘s coverage on environmental activism in the music industry.
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