Birds chirping are heard before the first notes of the acoustic guitar, even before José González sings a word of “Visions,” the song he performs on National Geographic’s Earth Day Eve 2021.

That says so much about the folk singer. His love of nature shines through in this cut from the album “Local Valley.” He sings from Särö Västerskog, a nature reserve close to his hometown of Gothenburg, on Sweden’s west coast. Gentleness is woven into Gonzalez’s music and is evident as he talks, explaining his love of nature and music.

Driving near a forest in Sweden, Gonzalez but pulls over to chat with us. What follows has been edited for clarity.

José González: I guess with my second album, back