Millions sign Live Earth pledge

Organisers of the Live Earth global concert extravaganza say millions have signed up to a personal pledge to take action to curb global warming.


They declared the seven-continent 24-hour music marathon last Saturday to raise awareness of climate change the biggest global entertainment event in history despite media reports of disappointing audiences.

Kevin Wall, Live Earth founder and producer, said: “Live Earth rallied an unprecedented audience to take action to tackle the world’s paramount challenge – the climate crisis.

“It is a global problem that requires a global response and that is just what we’ve received. Live Earth has established a deep foundation for the ongoing campaign.”

Concerts were held in London, New York, Sydney, Tokyo, Shanghai, Johannesburg and Hamburg and featured more than 100 bands.

The stated aim of the event was to trigger a global movement to tackle climate change and inspire behavioural changes.

People were called on to take simple steps to reduce their impact on climate change, including using energy efficient light bulbs and appliances.

Organisers, who include the former US vice president Al Gore, are hailing the event a success.

They say millions have signed up to a seven point pledge promising personal action to curb global warming.

The pledge asks individuals to call on their countries to join an international treaty within two years to cut global warming pollution by 90% in developed countries and more than half worldwide in time for the next generation to inherit a healthy earth.

It also demands individual action to cut carbon emissions, to work for greater energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources and to buy from environmentally friendly businesses.

But many have questioned the Live Earth event, including the green credentials of its performers and the need for it at all given existing high levels of awareness of climate change.

Others accused organisers and performers of hypocrisy pointing to the environmental impact of the concerts themselves though planners are said to have gone to great lengths to minimise it, including offsetting carbon emissions.

For more information visit the Live Earth website.

David Gibbs

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