Live Earth is a music event taking place across 7 continents on July 7, 2007 to make Al Gore look cool and to combat the climate crisis. The event marks the beginning of a multi-year call to action for individuals, corporations and governments, with the goal of driving a critical mass of people to stand up and make the prevention of global warming a priority in their lives.
Photo:romeyinfc, Creative Commons, Flickr
Al Gore, Live Earth Founder Kevin Wall and Alliance for Climate Protection CEO Cathy Zoi recently signed Live Earth's 7-point pledge on the climate crisis and invite all like-minded individuals to do the same:
1. To demand that my country join an international treaty within the next 2 years that cuts global warming pollution by 90% in developed countries and by more than half worldwide in time for the next generation to inherit a healthy earth;
2. To take personal action to help solve the climate crisis by reducing my own CO2 pollution as much as I can and offsetting the rest to become carbon neutral;
3. To fight for a moratorium on the construction of any new generating facility that burns coal without the capacity to safely trap and store the CO2;
4. To work for a dramatic increase in the energy efficiency of my home, workplace, school, place of worship, and means of transportation;
5. To fight for laws and policies that expand the use of renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on oil and coal;
6. To plant new trees and to join with others in preserving and protecting forests; and,
7. To buy from businesses and support leaders who share my commitment to solving the climate crisis and building a sustainable, just, and prosperous world for the 21st century.
The names of people making commitments and signing the pledge through their computers or cell phones on July 7th will be shown on the Live Earth web site, on the screens at the concerts, and on the global TV broadcasts (liveearth.org, LiveEarth.MSN.com or text "SOS" to 82004 free of charge).
Cities and performers are as follows:
New York, New York (but really New Jersey): Kelly Clarkson, Smashing Pumpkins, The Police, Akon, John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, AFI, Roger Waters, Fall Out Boy, Melissa Etheridge, KT Tunstall, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Bon Jovi, Ludacris, Taking Back Sunday, Keith Urban
Sydney, Australia: Blue King Brown, Crowded House, Eskimo Joe, Ghostwriters, Jack Johnson, John Butler Trio, Missy Higgins, Paul Kelly, Sneaky Sound System, Toni Collette & The Finnish,Wolfmother
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Jorge Ben Jor, Jota Quest, Lenny Kravitz, MV Bill, Macy Gray, Marcelo D2, O Rappa, Pharrel, Vanessa Da Matta, XUXA
Shanghai, China: 12 Girls Band, Anthony Wong, Eason Chang, Evonne Hsu, Huang Xiao Ming, Joey, Sarah Brightman, Soler, Winnie Hsin
Harburg, Germany: Chris Cornell, Enrique Iglesias, Jan Delay, Juli, Katie Melua, Lotto King Karl, Mana, MIA, Michael Mittermeier, Reamonn, Roger Cicero, Sasha, Shakira, Silbermond, Snoop Dogg, Stefan Gwildis, Yusuf (formerly Cat Stevens)
Tokyo, Japan: AI, Abingdon Boys School, Ai Otsuka, Ayaka, Bonnie Pink, Cocco, Genki Rockets, Kumi Koda, Linkin Park, Michael Nyman, Rihanna, Rip Slyme, Rize, UA, Xzibit, Yellow Magic Orchestra
Johannesburg, South Africa: Angelique Kidjo, Baaba Maal, Danny K, Joss Stone, The Parlotones, The Soweto Gospel Choir, UB40, Vusi Mahlasela, Zola
London, UK: Beastie Boys, Black Eyed Peas, Bloc Party, Corinne Bailey Rae, Damien Rice, David Gray, Duran Duran, Foo Fighters, Genesis, James Blunt, John Legend, Kasabian, Keane, Madonna, Metallica, Paolo Nutini, Pussycat Dolls, Razorlight, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snow Patrol, Spinal Tap, Terra Naomi
If I had to choose one, I'd probably choose London, partly because it's "summer" there, unlike Rio or Sydney, and partly because of the accents, but I bet the Tokyo one will be fun.
My ideal line up from this list would be Kelly Clarkson, The Police, John Mayer, DMB, Crowded House, Jack Johnson, Shakira, Rihanna, UB40, Black Eyed Peas and most of the UK acts, but I don't know many of the above artists.
My ideal line up if I could choose anyone, would be a combination of: DMB, Aimee Mann, Maroon 5, Arcade Fire, Pearl Jam, Rufus Wainwright, Madonna, Peter Bjorn and John, Lauryn Hill, Paul Simon, Badly Drawn Boy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sarah McLachlan, U2, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Coldplay, Peter Gabriel, John Mayer, Elton John and The Magnetic Fields.
As for the ideal place to hear it, maybe Iceland? I've never been . . .
Partners of Live Earth include Alliance for Climate Protection, The Climate Group, Stop Climate Chaos and other international organizations.