The science of global warming is clear and so are the solutions, yet we find ourselves hesitant to act. In many interviews, LUXUO has often quizzed wine, whisky and cognac makers on whether climate change has affected the production of fine vintages. However, the general response is that while climate change and global warming in general is affecting growth and yields of grape vines, the reality is that the roots grow deep enough over the centuries that the effects are not immediately felt. That said, there are deleterious effects on wine, whisky and cognac production – blended whiskys and cognacs which use multiple ingredients can compensate for changes in taste profiles and flavours but wines are hardest hit.

Fighting Climate Change: Pharrell Williams x Louis XIII and the Gift of 100 Years

In November 2017, Louis XIII announced 100 Years, a new song by Pharrell Williams that would only be released in 2117 (obviously 100 years from date of production). It is the coolest, most compelling way to combat climate change thus far. Louis XIII partnered with Pharrell on this innovative project due to shared passion for the environment and William’s new single “100 Years” – The Song We’ll Only Hear If We Care is a unique musical composition composed and developed by the multi-Grammy award winner and two time Academy Award nominee.

How does creative expression combat climate change one might wonder? The Pharrell Williams x Louis XIII 100 Years is cast in record made of clay from the chalky soil of Cognac and will be stored in the cellars of Louis XIII in a state-of-art safe specially designed by Fichet-Bauche that is only destructible when submerged in water.

Thus William’s exclusive track 100 Years – The Song We’ll Only Hear If We Care exemplifies the delicate relationship between nature and time and more importantly the literal effect we have on our environment. Just as his musical work, now cast in clay from the Cognac region where Louis XIII is made, each decanter of Louis XIII represents the life achievement of generations of Cellar Masters, requiring Louis XIII to think 100 years ahead in a similar fashion.

“I love the fact that Louis XIII thinks a century ahead. We should all do the same for the planet. We have a common interest in preserving nature for the future. Each bottle is the life achievement of generations of men and women. It’s all about legacy and transmission.” – Pharrell Williams

Scientists have projected that our sea levels will continue to rise at an alarming rate as a result of climate change and the numbers are not encouraging. In a 100 years, the majority of land will be submerged. Thus, the only way to guarantee that our children’s children will hear this exclusive Pharrell Williams track is to address the tragic consequences of global warming since 100 Years by Pharrell Williams will only be unlocked from the special safe in 2117 and released #IfWeCare.

“We are incredibly proud of this innovative project. Nature and time are at the heart of what we do. If the environment is unstable, even the greatest cellar master would not be able to compose the exceptional blend that is Louis XIII. Global warming is one of the most important issues of the 21st century; with 100 Years – The Song We’ll Only Hear If We Care, we hope to inspire people around the world to take action.” – Ludovic du Plessis, Global Executive Director of Louis XIII

Previously, Louis XIII had partnered with renowned actor and visionary John Malkovich to create “100 Years: The Movie You Will Never See” in 2015 to explore the relationship of past, present and future. Pharrell Williams’ 100 Years – The Song We’ll Only Hear If We Care follows in the same vein and will only be released in 2117 (that is if we haven’t accidentally killed the Earth and ourselves along with it).