The Keeling Curve Rocks

The Keeling Curve rocks…the Keeling Curve band, that is.

An acoustic band from Oxford, England, that formed out of a commitment to environmental conservation chose to name itself after the famous graph of rising atmospheric carbon dioxide created by late Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego Geochemist Charles David Keeling.

Lead singer Eve Carnall said it all started when she met a guitarist and co-worker at the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. The two often discussed environmental issues and soon discovered they were both musicians.

They moved on to other environment-related careers, but continued playing music together on the side. The band became complete in August 2008 with the addition of fellow “green” enthusiasts who played bass, violin, and drums.

“Environmental issues are a central part of the band and our lives,” said Carnall.

Carnall said that climate change is an issue that “almost everyone” in England is aware of. Many of the band’s fans have seen the famous graph the group is named after, but aren’t sure of its official name. This gives the band an opportunity to subtly raise the issue of climate change. Most people are impressed with their choice in moniker, Carnall said. The Keeling Curve enjoys doing local shows for environmental charities and one of their first songs, “Catch the Moonlight,” was written about climate change.

Scripps Professor and Geochemist Ralph Keeling, son of Charles David Keeling, is carrying on his father’s scientific work and is excited the band has taken the name of the graph depicting his father’s research.

“I think the curve is important enough that people should know about it,” said Keeling. “I'm grateful for those who help communicate its importance.”

The band describes its sound as an eclectic mix of pop and folk music. According to the band’s website, “We’d love to tell you what sort of music we are, but we’re not sure yet!”

--Caitlin Denham