Carbon Cost of “Live Earth” Criticised

It is being billed as the concert that will awaken the world to the dangers of climate change. It took Bob Geldof’s persuasive powers to rally support in aid of Africa.

Now, over twenty years after the first Live Aid concert, Al Gore is hoping to help to save the planet with a day of global concerts designed to raise awareness of climate change.

More than 100 acts will take part on five continents in the Live Earth event, scheduled to take place on July 7. The organisers hope to reach an audience of two billion people via television, radio and the internet.

Some of the hottest bands and artists around will perform. Madonna, the Police, Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Black Eyed Peas and the reformed Genesis are all scheduled to play.

Mr Gore said: “By attracting an audience of billions, we hope that Live Earth will launch a global campaign giving a critical mass of people around the world the tools they need to help to solve the climate crisis.”

But critics are raising eyebrows at the $2m to $3m (£1.1m to £1.6m) that the event is expected to cost in carbon offsetting, with more and more blogs on the web said to be criticising the event. People are asking if pop stars and their taste for conspicuous consumption are the best advocates for cutting fossil fuel emissions.

So we want to hear from you: do people think Live Earth is a good idea? Come on, lets get a debate going…..