The Day the Music Lied? 3

Live Earth reaches an estimated 2 billion, critics harp on hypocrisy

By all accounts, Live Earth (perhaps you've heard of it?) was a smashing success. Organizers say the shows reached about 2 billion people in 130 countries. More than 150 musical acts crooned, and supporters held more than 10,000 registered "fringe events" in addition to the main concerts on every continent. Al Gore appeared in person (and in hologram form!) to urge crowds to commit to a seven-point pledge to green their lives, and launched a three-year campaign that will "get the scientific [climate] evidence in front of people all over the world." From Shakira shaking her hips to the Beastie Boys bedecking themselves in green to the Police sending out an S.O.S., the shows -- well, rocked. And while critics made noise about the event being too resource intensive and featuring "hypocritical" artists who own big houses and fly a lot, they didn't dampen the day. ("I'm flawed," Dave Matthews shot back. "Cows fart and so do I.") For more on the scene, catch up with Emily Gertz in Gristmill.

source: Toronto Star, Canadian Press, Andy Blatchford, 09 July 2007

source: The Christian Science Monitor, Tony Azios, 09 Jul 2007

source: The Boston Globe, Joan Anderman, 09 Jul 2007

see also, in Gristmill: Alive after Live Earth

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  1. jeff3885 Posted 11:08 am
    09 Jul 2007

    Live EarthI thought the concerts were okay, but honestly were more "feel good" promotion than anything else.  If you're interested you can read my blog at http://viewfromthecrossroads.wordpress.com
    Jeff

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  2. inkedbuddha Posted 12:41 am
    10 Jul 2007

    Live EarthI have to respectfully disagree, Jeff. For those of us who care a lot about this issues and work with them all the time (I'm guessing this includes you), I think it is easy to forget just how many people really don't even know about the simplest energy saving tips and other earth friendly behaviors. Sure, some don't care it all, but lots of people, by necessity, are more interested in making a living than making history (a la Paul Wellstone). I thought they did an excellent job with the movie shorts and the commercials, giving a lot of tips and info without being preachy or seeming like a left-wing enviro agenda (of which I am a proud member). :) And frankly, celebrity does matter to a lot of people, so to have everyone from Fergie(ahem, licious) to Dave Matthews to Ludacris involved, you are going to get a lot of people's attention. And personally, I don't care if Ludacris (for example! don't yell at me, Lud fans) up until this event  drove four SUVs. Leading by example is so important - but if you aren't there, but you have the ability to make a much larger impact, then more power to you. Ok, I'm done now. :)

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  3. jazzinger Posted 8:25 am
    10 Jul 2007

    Grist take on candidatesI thought the concerts were a good way to get the word out since alot of folks need to see things on tv before they believe them.

    I must say I was so disappointed when I checked the Grist article on the MoveOn post offering Grist's take on the debate...absolutely no mention of the one Presidential candidate who is the only real green candidate: Congressman Dennis Kucinich....what's up with that? Discouraged in Nevada.

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