Joni Mitchell isn't often associated with environmental activism, but her famous 1970 hit Big Yellow Taxi is one of the biggest green anthems to date.

Growing up in the golden prairies of Saskatchewan, Canada, Joni spent her childhood surrounded by nature. She began touring the United States in the mid 1960s - a tumultuous decade of social, political, and environmental change. Big Yellow Taxi was written in response to the natural losses she saw on her journey.

The song laments ecological loss and warns of irreversible damage to the earth's natural beauty. But Joni's dedication to raising awareness of environmental devastation spans her entire career.

Folk singer Sam Lee takes a look at Joni's relationship with the earth she inhabited, and how she inspired so many to care about the world through her personal yet highly political lyrics.

Producer: Emma Barnaby
Series Editor: David Prest
A Whistledown production in association with The Open University for BBC Radio 4 Show less