The date coincides with the "International Rebellion" climate justice protests scheduled for Oct. 7, Stipe said in the release.
But that is not all Stipe is doing to help the environment. The download will cost 77 cents and all earnings from sales and synchronization licenses will be donated to Extinction Rebellion for a year after release.
If fans want to pay more than the suggested 77-cent price, then they can do so. Stipe says a free download also will be offered.
In the announcement, Stipe admits he has taken a long break from music but the climate issues are the catalyst to get him to release it.
"I want to add my voice to this exciting shift in consciousness. Extinction Rebellion gave me the incentive to push the release and not wait. Our relationship to the environment has been a lifelong concern, and I now feel hopeful -- optimistic, even. I believe we can bring the kind of change needed to improve our beautiful planet earth, our standing and our place on it," Stipe said.
Stipe has been performing the song live, but this is the first time he's officially released it, Spin reported.
There will also be a music video released with the song, according to the magazine.
R.E.M. broke up in 2011 after 31 years together, Rolling Stone reported when the band split. Their final album, "Collapse Into Now" was released in March 2011 about six months before the breakup, Rolling Stone reported. The band also released two compilation albums after the breakup.
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