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Live Earth fails to pack large-scale punch
It did what it said on the poster – but no more. The British leg of Live Earth started at 1.30 pm sharp with a thunderous five-minute drum fanfare by a 20-odd troupe of flailing percussionists, battering a miscellany of ethnic skinned instruments.
Led by Roger Taylor, formerly drummer with Queen, and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, their SOS pattern, hammered out in morse code, was a cute way of flagging up the Live Earth message: environmental calamity ahoy. But it couldn’t disguise the problem that regularly threatened to becalm this Wembley show.
As a concert, Live Earth was not the repeat of Live Aid/Live 8 it clearly wanted to be. Unlike the events organised by the charismatic Sir Bob Geldof – upon which this one modelled itself closely, right down to its choice of name – the acts who answered the call from Al Gore’s people to play at Wembley Stadium were a bit short on superstar clout.
It was Geldof’s legendarily persuasive powers which got Pink Floyd to abandon a 20-year feud and re-form for Live 8 in Hyde Park in 2005. There was nothing on the Live Earth London bill to command that level of anticipation and potential drama.
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With the exception of the closing act Madonna – who played next door at Wembley Arena only last summer – there was nobody on the Stadium bill with the cross-generational appeal, and catalogue of monster hits, to supply the great unifying moments which event gigs need to make their message stick in the mind.
Queen singing We Will Rock You at Live Aid, or Robbie Williams leading the 80,000 Live 8 crowd through a giant karaoke session of Angels, are worth far more in this context than the 20 minutes per hour of worthy exhortations dished out on screen or by guest celebs at Live Earth.
Genesis were the first band to take the stage, playing a four-song sample from the set they performed in its entirety later in the day at Manchester as part of their current British tour. The middle-aged-male contingent in the crowd were delighted to welcome back Phil Collins’ recently reformed band of pop-rock veterans. An element of surprise entered an otherwise solid performance when Collins appeared to let out a rare ‘f **k’ during Invisible Touch. But with latecomers still trickling into the stadium, Genesis landed a few punches – notably with the environmentally incorrect Turn It On Again – without knocking anybody out.
Razorlight fared better. Their music hasn’t yet acquired the dimensions to suit stadia but the predominantly under-40 demographic of the audience seemed more attuned to Razorlight’s brand of fizzy guitar rock than the more ponderous Genesis.
As the sun continued to make a long overdue comeback over London, Belfast’s finest, Snow Patrol, went down well with the arms aloft faithful on the pitch at the front. Further back though, as well as up on the terraces, the audience seemed to be enjoying the sunny afternoon as much as indie anthems such as Open Your Eyes.
A similar atmosphere of music-as-wallpaper surrounded the performance of the next couple to take the stage; the beardy singer-songwriters, David Gray and Damien Rice. Their fiercely shouted duet of Que Sera, Sera, specially worked up for the occasion, may have had some bearing, lyrically, on the future of the planet; but it sure didn’t sound like the kind of music we might be listening to in our putatively greener future.
With the arrival of Kasabian, launching into the swaggering title track of their latest album, Empire, the decibel level in the stadium went up noticeably. So did attention levels. Even the tee-shirts queuing for drinks at the bars interrupted conversations to shout their approval. Kasabian have been touted as the new Oasis and while this showing didn’t represent a breakthrough, it showed they can rise to a big occasion. They even remembered why they were there, enthusing bizarrely about how they wanted “to save the polar bears”.
Paulo Nutini was another newcomer who injected a sense of urgency into a concert sagging under the weight of its own worthiness. Following Al Gore’s televised lecture on climate change, Nutini’s youthful rocking r'n’b vocal reminded us that politicians need musicians more than musicians need them.
Just when it appeared that this concert was developing into a rather earnest, all-male affair – onstage if not out in the 50/50 audience – Stacy Ferguson of the LA hip-hop band Black Eyed Peas saved the day. Her soulful account of Big Girls Don’t Cry was the most nakedly emotional moment so far. Next up, the Peas’ signature hit, Where Is The Love, became the first song to get the entire stadium shouting and waving along. A big moment at last, and a hard act to follow.
Too hard, sadly, for John Legend. One of the most sophisticated new talents in American r’n’b came and went in a blink, performing just one song alone at the piano before most of the crowd noticed his arrival.
As the halfway point beckoned, the event needed a serious lift.
What it got was Geri Halliwell, flagging the return of her old group later in the year and introducing, right now, Duran Duran. Like Genesis, but with more modern haircuts, Simon LeBon and co turned in a thoroughly professional 20 minute resume of four of their old hits. The audience applauded but soon afterwards were seen amusing themselves with Mexican waves.
If anybody could raise the temperature of an event that needed a bit of old fashioned warming, it was Red Hot Chili Peppers. Capering about the stage with an abandon which shamed the static efforts of the younger bands, the LA four-piece’s explosive punk-funk had the energising effect of a double espresso. By The Way got a roar of recognition comparable to that accorded to Black Eyed Peas.
But then, again, the pace flagged. More indistinct rocking, this time from the British band Bloc Party, led to a soul-lite performance from Corinne Bailey Rae, which cruelly exposed new Wembley’s brutal acoustics. Three robustly melodic songs from the keyboard trio Keane interrupted the snacking which had replaced rocking as stadium favorite, before a concerted sonic assault from the American heavy-metal band Metallica. Screen images of elephants plodding along behind them, designed to assist the ecological message, did nothing for the thick trudge of their music.
After six hours of non-stop seriousness, humour in the form of the re-convened joke prog-rock band Spinal Tap offered welcome relief. Christopher Guest and his absurdly wigged associates were undeniably funny, particularly when they were joined by a dozen pointless bass players from the other bands on the bill. But you had to be in on the joke when it was originally cracked in the 1980’s to get what was going on in 2007. Most of the Wembley crowd looked bemused rather than amused by the Tap’s antics.
James Blunt’s performance was a Wembley wallpaper moment, uniformly pleasant and in tune, but notable only because he didn’t play his theme song, Beautiful. Nobody could accuse the Beastie Boys of singing in tune, or indeed singing at all. The inclusion of this arty, whiny, faux-rap band so high on the Live Earth bill appeared to be an example of the organisers outsmarting their broadly middle of the road audience.
Swerving to the other extreme, next to appear were Pussycat Dolls, an all-girl American group who came on like lap dancers, strutting and writhing down the apron stage with their big hit Bet You Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me. That’s ‘hot’ in a good way presumably, rather than an environmentally damaging one.
Foo Fighters fared best of all the numerous guitar bands on the Live Earth bill. The Foo’s front man, Dave Grohl, formerly of grunge Nirvana, had as many women jumping in the air as men, and his frantic but vulnerable vocals on Best Of You brought the entire stadium to its feet. The ear-splitting cheer that greeted the end of the FF set left no doubt that Grohl was Man Of The Night.
The Woman of the Night award was a shoe-in. Not for the first time in her career, it fell to Madonna to rescue pop – or this concert anyway – from the grasp of bloke-ish noiseniks. As the only artist to have written a song specifically for the event - Hey You – Madge stole the show with a typically slick routine, punctuated with moments of complete darkness. A dystopian preview of a carbon-positive future which made Live Earth's point more vividly than all the preceding hours of slogans and lectures.
When and by whom (specifically) have scientists been "attacked" in America for doing global warming research. Just one example will suffice.
Thanks
John, Cleveland, OH
TO: AlanD, Philadelphia, USA
I thank you for your wholly unnecessary comments about the extent of my hypocrisy in reference to of the American policy towards global warming. I have a few points to highlight to a small-minded person such as yourself. Firstly just because I a Brit in America it does not necessarily mean that I have to agree with the opinion of an average Joe such as yourself. Secondly in reference to your comment about the freedom, which America gives to me, you are very much mistaken. The fact that the scientists and major thinkers in AMERICA are being attacked and ignored by conservative America highlights that there is indeed a lack of freedom for people with an “opinion of basisâ€, which is why global warming is being ignored by the American majority.
Finally, to all conservative Americans please look up the political definitions of the words “liberal†and “political left†because they do not mean people who disagree with your opinion.
Kamal Singhrao, Sonoma, (Brit Expat), California/USA
Well Robert (Writer of the this article), I can tell you were playing attention to gig, because it wasn't JUST Madge who had written a song for the concert, WILL-I-AM from the black eyed peas also wrote a song which he peformed at the concert! - I know it must been a loooong hard day for you in the comfi press box, but pleassssse make some notes and get your facts correct! It was the first time I had seen foo fighters perform and I didn't realise I know so may of their songs, am definately a fan now!
Rupen Shah, Edgware, Middx
I can't believe I see the same tired Cher-alike with her '80's disco moves that you do - "Woman of the Night" indeed! She's a faded pop star, never was a rock star and the Pussy Cat Dolls are part of her legacy - thank you very much. I feel like I'm in an unending "Emperor with no clothes" tape loop when it comes to this one trick pony.
Laurie, New York, New York, USA
Just think how much better it would have been if these 100,000 "Christians" had gathered to pray for our planet! Then if they went on and actually tried to lessen the impact of humans on the Earth's atmosphere, they'd bring about a better world for everyone. Of course, it depends on whether these 100,000 "Christians" were the "Christianites" who follow in the footsteps of those fakers such as Jerry Falwel, or true Christians who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Al Gore is a true Christian who is following his heart. This isn't a recent development. It isn't about money. It isn't about fame. It isn't about power. It is about saving what we have left.
I continue to be horrified by the comments from some "Americans" who have written. They are the kind of Americans who probably throw trash out the window of their SUV's and have never used a recycle bin.
I'd love to see a list of reputable scientists who DON'T believe in Global warming or climate change.
Susan, Austin, USA, Texas
I find it frustrating that people can still live in ignorance of the enormous harm we are doing to our planet.
The Live Earth event this weekend was a breakthrough in terms of increasing awareness and helping change the apathy that surrounds the carbon emissions issue in our culture.
I accept that its easy for image conscious and wealthy rock stars to find ways to offset their carbon foot print and live greener lives, but their message is still important – namely that the responsibility is upon all of us to make changes in the way we live, so that our planet can continue to support us.
I am neither famous nor wealthy but I have offset my carbon footprint with an organisation called Get Green Now, who plant trees in the UK to counteract the emissions from my family home, car and flights abroad.
It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive for us all to play our part. Live Earth has hopefully set the ball rolling for many people and its imperative that everyone keeps the
Louise Riddick, Leeds, UK
I was present at Wembley and this was by far the worst event I have ever been to. George Michael got it right at Wembley a couple of weeks ago. Livenation got Liveearth completely wrong. We couldn't hear the bands for the 1st four hours ( 5th level) as they hadn't bothered checking the sound equipment before they kicked off. There were thousands of dissapointed fans and we spent over 1 hour in a line to let Customer Service know that we couldn't hear the concert-- to be told that Wembley Stadium could do nothing about this- Livenation switched their phone service hotline line off. The food and drinks available were in plastic and styrofoam derived materials. This was purely a money making excercise with the pretence of being "ethically driven".
Paula S, London , UK
It is immaterial what "x" number of scientists say: Science is not subject to a vote. Like it or not, E=mc^2 is not subject to a consensus or a vote.
With global warming, the equations just don't work. They contain variables that cannot be calculated or are just plain guesswork. That is NOT science.
Sadly, the "science" in global warming is no more real than SETI's "proof" that there is intelligent life. It may be true, but no one can prove it.
Y A Stepanov, Pleasanton, California, USA
Why are 90% of the comments on this website from americans?
Dave, London,
So let me see the the flights for the performers, the cars of people travelling to the concert, the energy it cost to run the thing, the energy it took to watch it on your tv, the energy it took to advertise it ,and the amount of papers and websites reporting about it which obviously needed energy to create, and how many people are actually going to cut down on their carbon emissions not very many i assume. More hassle than its worth if you ask me
Hannah, brum,
Well, well, well - new scientific research publicised today now discredits the theory that global warming is caused by solar activity.
What madcap, zany idea will the American nay-sayers latch onto now? Communist microwave death rays? Moon terrorists? Angel radiation?
M Jones, Brighton,
Who cares about Global Warming?
Let's all buy convertibles!
Oh, and Americans, keep your pointless sentimentality to yourselves.
John Ball, Norwich, UK
I find it frustrating that people can still live in ignorance of the enormous harm we are doing to our planet
The Live Earth event this weekend was a breakthrough in terms of increasing awareness and helping change the apathy that surrounds the carbon emissions issue in our culture.
I accept that its easy for image conscious and wealthy rock stars to find ways to offset their carbon foot print and live greener lives, but their message is still important – namely that the responsibility is upon all of us to make changes in the way we live, so that our planet can continue to support us.
I am neither famous nor wealthy but I have offset my carbon footprint with an organisation called Get Green Now, who plant trees in the UK to counteract the emissions from my family home, car and flights abroad.
It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive for us all to play our part. Live Earth has hopefully set the ball rolling for everyone to begin to play their part.
Louise Riddick, Leeds, UK
Nice to see so many of our US friends taking an interest in world issues. Shame they are all taking the same blinkered view. Global warming is a cyclical phemomenon - so yes, we've seen it before. The problem is the speed of the cycle - it's happening faster than before, so the problems (extreme weather and the like) occur with more violence and more often. It's common sense.
Mark, Cambridge, UK
I couldn't believe that after the show everyone left leaving their rubbish on the Wembley stadium floor. What about this 'answer the call' Bins were in the corridor! They should have made the tickets avaiable to people who bought an energy saving bulb. The crowd was full of eroding rock fans, no fans who wanted to save rocks from eroding
eddy, manchester, UK
In 1988, Thatcher spoke of global warming, possibly with genuine concern, and possibly in order to attract respect from the UN, and promote nuclear power over union-infested coal mining. Climate fears have the same use today; to attract attention and importance, and to hinder the activities of one's rivals. In Live Earth we see Al Gore hard at work on those projects.
Real righteous concern is thoroughly mixed up with the desire to wield power, as in any guilt trip.
It would be cheaper, easier, and far, far kinder, to create a huge device to modify the climate directly, than to make our attempt to modify the behaviour of entire societies work. The useless nannying approach endures because of the political power to be gained by guilt tripping one another, from the level of ordinary people scoring self-importance points by wanting lights turned off, to the level of whole groups of governments cramping rival economies through climate pacts.
We ought to respect individual freedom.
Felix, Nottingham,
No wonder Europe thinks we Americans are idiots.
They have been reading this forum.
Anyone who denies that Global Warming is accelarated by humans, and that if we don't have a societal change soon that we will suffer greatly, needs to speed less time listening to pop music and more time reading the newspaper.
Bill, Seattle, WA
What "good" have they done? If the aim of their cause is to reduce carbon emissions, can you please explain how flying thousands of vacuous twits, along with their caravan of sycophants and support toadies all over the planet is going to help?
What exactly has Gore "done", aside from clocking up a million air miles, indulging in an orgy of self-congratulation, stuffing himself with 10,000 calories a day and lecturing to the plebs and peasants about how scummy and revolting they are for daring to want what he and his mates have had all their lives?
murph, Blackheath, UK
Why all the cynicism?
Its easy to knock people, but there are a lot of positives here surely? I know the 'benefit concert' thing is so common now that it tends to lose impact.
Even if you don't accept the views of many scientists on Global Warming, there are other factors. At the very least, we need to think about non-renewable resources, such as coal, gas and oil. And of these 3 resources, oil is not only used as a fuel, but is used to create plastics and so on. So there are major implications to think about. I'm surprised that more people aren't at least willing to welcome an intelligent debate about these issues, which will potentially impact on the lives of our grandchildren, if not ourselves.
Surely the energy expended for sound, lighting, broadcast and so on at Wembley and other venues is justified to get a message across. It is too easy to shout 'hypocrisy', although in some cases it may be justified perhaps.
Rich H, Oxford, UK
The climate is changing that I can see with out Gore and a bunch of has been performers telling me. However lets have a concert to raise global awareness what a crock. I didn't watch 1 second of Live Earth!
What this really is, is a farce to raise money for Move On nothing more nothing less. The democrats used to care about America now they just have a socialist / communist agenda. Look at Reid , Pelosi and all those other left wingers and what they stand for. Remember they are also in bed with George Sorros, Rebecca Peters, Michael Moore and all those others that would have us become slaves. They all want control of us the people they hate our constitution and our spirit. This is just another form of control; i.e. gun control, noise control, trans fat control. Can we see a pattern here its all about people control.
One more thing don't we pay enough taxes? If these politicians, and stars really care about these events let them dig into their pockets leave my $$ outta it!!!
John, Palm Harbor, FL, USA
Didn't watch.
Didn't care.
Don't believe.
Don't know why anyone is dumb enough to believe.
We haven't been around long enough to understand Earth's weather. Hell, just look at how poor your local weatherman is.
Anyone who thinks this concert means anything is a complete moron. This Chicken Little concert was nothing more than a tax on the stupid. And yeah, they didn't promote it in the US. I didn't even know about it until I saw it on Drudgereport.com this week.
BTW-isn't carbon the most common element in the universe? Seems like everything I know runs on it, is made from it, uses it, or expels it.
Enjoy-Polarbear
Polarbear, Fayetteville, NC, USA
I dont know if it fell but There was actually snow forcast on the weather for the scottish highlands the week before last, what happened to the scorching summer we were promised?????
Global warming is not man made, cooling and warming been happening from the start of the planet, and higher CO2 in the atmosphere is caused by warming not the cause of it, as the warmer oceans release more stored C02 into the atmosphere.
I read that 150,000 people worldwide agreed to go green after the concerts by texting or emailing the organisers,
Thats not many considering the 2 billion potential TV audience, if the UK goverment listen to the UK share of that and start taxing us more, then they should also scrap the proposed national road pricing which got a petition of 2 Milion UK
signatures without the help of 11 hour continuous TV coverage and no sponsorship...
Global boring zzzzzzzzzzzz. its getting a bit worn now, lets find someting else to get histerical about.....
Mark, London, UK
I was watching in Australia and Crowded House and Sneaky Sound System were the highlights of a meidocre show. After we finished watching the Aussie show live, the TV coverage of the rest of Live earth was virtually unwatchable. It was one, maybe two at the most songs then a worthy short film (some were clearly blurring the whole issue eg the Aral sea was drained by irigation schemes NOTt global warming) then adverts then one more song then another worthy short film. It was agonising and in the end we switched off. OK its to raise awareness on the issues but it shouldn't turn people off by making the whole thing a boring disjointed unwatacheable affair. Turned on just now and saw the Police behave in the most self indulgent manner conceivable. Ten minute long versions of a few hits with long rambiling solos and improvised jamming. BORING, will not be queing for toickets to see teh Police that's for sure. I wanted to see oasis and Muse but they thought better, did it achieve anything??
Richard Harding, Sydney , Australia
You who do not want to view global warming as a happening thing----do go sit beside a smelly river bank and look at the funny little creatures developing there--the lakes stink and look disgusting too. Must you view this as silly--well keep laughing as you starve in a few short years and your families. WAKE UP AND SAVE OUR EARTH AND QUIT BEING STUPID.
MARILYN KEETON, SILVER CITY, USA NEW MEXICO
Robert Sandell are you really so out of touch musically that you don't even know that International singing lapdancers 'The Pussycat Dolls' hit single is called 'Don't cha' and not 'Bet You Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me'.
Sorry - I'll let you all get back to the global warming debate - I personally just like my music journalists to know what they are talking about!!! Though agreed PCD performance was basically like a 'hookers reunion' - and on the BBC at that time of day!!! Tremendous
Paul, London, UK
Oh look, the nation that uses more resources per person than any other on this planet are sticking their heads in the sand again. Now there's a surprise... Americans shouting down climate change scientists is nothing new. What would you expect from a nation where more than 50% of the population stills believes in angels?
M Jones, Brighton,
Ugh, what a sickening bunch of limp and dreary rock bands we have these days. Even the Chili Peppers have reinvented themselves recently to become whining and ponderous. A better choice to perform at this concert would have been Merzbow, an artist who wants to save the whale while creating the finest and most abrasive Japanese noise music. (I feel the second of these ambitions excuses the first.)
Felix, Nottingham,
Like Chris Rock said , this will do for Global Warming what Live Aid did for Global Hunger - absolutely naff all. Its just an excuse for a bunch of musos to salve their consciences and say "Hey we did our bit now its over to you guys" The only thing missing was Geldof singing "Mondays" , oh i forgot he didnt organise this one , his ego is having a holiday!
Nick Sutcliffe, Thrapston, England
The reporter Ms Middlemiss -one of the steady flow of unconvincing celebs/presenters invited to huddle for a cosy chat with Jonathon Ross -preached to the masses about green issues and reducing personal carbon footprints /Co2 emissions and then during her attempt to get over the message during a short film (despite driving around in an open top car and flying everywhere defiantly stating''cos my job takes me'') she proudly released a large bunch of balloons into the air...durrrrr not only did she pollute the air with rubbish that does not bio - degrade quickly if at all but when the balloons land they will surely endanger wildlife on land or sea or become litter. Perhaps with all that hot air she was spouting she would just float away...
Dismayed TV license payer
KLEIN SHORT, MANCHESTER, UK
Is global warming happening? (Probably) Is it caused by carbon emission? (perhaps in-part) I think that we are missing a much greater point. The earth’s climate changes. It has throughout history and it will in the future. We may be able to influence the change slightly (although this is not proven science), but to think that we have the ability to stop something that has been happening for millions of years is just plain ignorant. Also, to assume that the models used to predict global disaster have any real predictability when my weather forecast for next Tuesday has change three times in the last three days is a bit ridiculous. Climatology is not a mature enough science to be making predictions without responsible scientist noting that the science itself has a high degree of variability. Unfortunately, too many scientists are not being responsible.
Ian, Tinton Falls, NJ
Follow the money. Gore stands to make a ton from his "man made" global warming, carbon credits offsets.
Look at science. The earth changes its orbit from a circular pattern to an oblong pattern around the sun. The sun also has solar explosions. When these happen it affects the earth's temperature, this is a fact. Look it up, if you're not too lazy.
The earth is always changing. Much of the U.S. was covered in ice. What melted all the glaciers?? People, at that time, did not have the industry and technology we have today.
Wake up people! Stop lining the pockets of Al Gore the self-proclaimed inventor of the internet (and if you believe that, maybe he does deserve to have your money).
We do need to be responsible, and good stewards of the earth.
Mary, Buffalo Lake, USA
Only a disturbed mind can see conservation as a dirty word. The article misses the point, the concert was about human beings sharing knowledge in order to unite to make the world a better place to live, it was not a talent competition.
It's amazing to see the amount of criticism these people are facing.
If you don't want to be patronised then stop acting like spoilt children.
Our present "gods" of growth, wealth and self gratification have to go or else we will suffer both physically and psychologically.
Wake up and smell the coffee, the teenage party is over, man has to start growing up, yesterday was the first small step, but many people have yet to recognise it.
Davis S, Norwich, Norfolk
To David in Bahrain...
So a cold winter in Bahrain proves man made Global Warming? LMAO
Although now their calling it "Climate Change" Wake up people! That’s what the climate does. CHANGE
Although now that I think about it, maybe all of you believers have a point. You know I have noticed as the summer months continue it does seem to be getting warmer. Hmmm!
AlanD, Philadelphia, USA
London: "I see from the global warming denyers comments below that the standard of science education in the US is still shockingly low. "
Hardly. The science is not settled. Your projections are based on limited models or outright deception [Mann]. And your response to serious scientific criticism has been to label them as "heretics". The Global Warming crowd is no different than a religious cult.
Fen, Washington DC, USA
Live Earth is just another socialist ploy to get well-to-do countries cut down to size. Al Gore is starved for attention. Most of the 'celebrities' on the bill are not taken seriously and most are considered left wing nut jobs. I'm more of center right guy, so I can be a little more objective, and I can honestly say that global warming is a natural occurence that happens every so often. It's funny that all of the science that supports non-human induced global warming is put aside by Al Gore. He only presents the 'scientific studies' that support his eccentric crusade.
Brian, Los Angeles, California
10 of the biggest concerts possible on the same day with the same theme, and many of the most popular acts in the world perform, and this takes place on seven continents, yet this article tries to claim that "Live Earth fails to pack a large-scale punch." I don't think anything could impress this paper. If this concert was given to celebrate the war in Iraq you could bet the headlines would be more favorable.
Maybe Geldorf should be annoyed that they used the "Live" name, give me a break with the criticism. Its not like Live Aid fixed all the problems in Africa or that the world wasn't aware there are problems in Africa.
I thought from the television broadcast that the efforts of this concert were admirable and educational. I also thought the participants from Alicia Keys to the average concert goer had more intelligent things to say than any of the news coverage of the event. I also believe that this event will result in more conservation by all those who were touched by it.
BL, OR,
Well, I guess everyone can see what the problem is here in the USA. The comments above are just repetitions of the endless talking points they absorb every day from right-wing propagandists on talk radio and Rupert Murdoch's Fox News channel in America. They don't believe scientists, they believe Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. That is their religion.
The good news is high fuel prices are draining their incomes every day. The bad news is they are still too stupid to cut back on their consumption of fuel. These folks above will be using less fuel in the near future and it won't be because of Al Gore. It will be because of the "magic of the marketplace". When they pull into the gas station to refuel their Ford Excursion, they should be laughed at for the fools they are.
Dave, Houston, USA, TX
Should we really care how good the music was, or what political figures are associating themselves with what - isn't this the definition of 'missing the point'?
I am repeatedly torn by these "in the name of xxx" events - I recognise the need to raise public awareness, as well as the force of publicity and maintaining the message, but I do wonder - wouldn't we be better supporting local, national and international actions for positive change? Would the time, money and energy have been better spent somehow?
When it comes down to it there are three simple issues to address:
- reduce, reuse, recycle (in that order!) ... in itself a lifestyle change for us all.
- change our diet (like it or not, we cannot continue to dedicate such large resources towards livestock production).
- support effective and positive campaigns o reduce the population growth (which exponential increases the effects of not doing the above!)
Convincing people to support these messages would make a bigger impact!
Brian Murray, Edinburgh, UK
Wayne from Florida is right. "Global warming", or at least the notion that humans are significantly influencing it, is nothing more than a dodgy quasi-religion which is making a few people rich.
I'm sick and tired of being told how to live my life by obscenely wealthy people who seem to be utterly incapeable of practicing what they preach. These people clearly don't even believe the global warming litany themselves - if they did then these concerts would have been organised as bradcast only events in small studios around the World, rather than having to fly to all parts of the globe and having hundreds of thousands of people travel to venues to watch.
JonathanL, Newcastle, UK
As usual the American comments are typically negative about the global warming message. Lets face it the Americans are never wrong about anything. Its a shame the Bush fans are so narrow minded. Maybe if it wasn't Al Gore spearheading this campaign they might take their fingers out of their ears and actually listen to what 99% of the scientists say.
Change your lifestyle = Very disrupting and inconvenient.
or
Say 'It's Not happening' and be in denial = Easy to say, no change needed . EASY.
I tend to find the older generation say it's not happening and the younger generation are more worried about it.
I went to Live Earth and thought that it was a fantastic day maybe they were aiming the music at the younger generation as they thought that they were more likely to listen and take the action that is so desparately needed.
Rich Masters, Frome, UK
My 1999 Saturn gets the same mileage as these ridiculous hybrids. Flourescent lightbulbs are considered to be hazardous materials, it will be good fun when all the landfills are polluted with these haz mats. Electric cars still have to get their electricity from somewhere. Do 'ya think burning fossil fuels in a power plant to make electricity which will be shoved down miles of wires to be transformed modified and eventuall jammed into heavy batteries that take forever to charge is more efficient than just burning the fossil fuel in the car? There's brilliant ideas from enterprising capatilists which will create technologies that will actually make sense. I wouldn't trust these puddin' heads to walk my dog much less create public policy about things of which they know nothing.
Amazed, Baltimore, Md
When will the news media recognize that you can always get a big crowd to hear a music extravaganza, whatever the "cause". Performers like the publicity from a news-hungry media, and the adulation they get, especially if they haven't drawn a real crowd in a while.
Since this event was promoted as a way to increase awareness of global warming, one assumes it was directed at hermits in the Outback of Australia who have not had access to a newspaper, television set or radio in several years.
If someone sponsored a "Global Warming Deniers" concert and offered enough free music I'm sure they would also draw a large crowd, particularly if it were done in an urban area.
No harm done here, but don't take it seriously,.
Tom Doran, Scottsville, USA, VA
Could people please stop spouting "facts" they've gathered from only reading headlines? Yes, Mars has global warming, but you never read WHY, did you. You only read the headline and thought "haha, that's convenient for me!"
I'm afraid, Susan, that the only reason why people deny stuff like this is that they don't want to change their lifestyle. It's got nothing to do with science. The end.
starling, Lancaster,
Some of the music was good, but overall the event was a big propaganda fest promoting a socialist agenda based on junk science. And of course the people performing consume way more energy and do much more of what they claim endangers the planet than 99.99% of the audience does.
Chris, St Petersburg,
"The planet is warming? OK, I guess that's why it snowed last week....IN SOUTH AFRICA!!!!!!!!"
ARGH! Get a clue! GLOBAL WARMING CAUSES FREAK WEATHER CONDITIONS!!!!!!!
Such as snow in South Africa.
Good grief.
And dear Joe juno, why would anyone who is not in the windmill business want to INVENT man-made global warning? Sado-masochism? Reasons to deny it are laziness and selfishness. Reasons to acknowledge it are actually caring about other people and about what happens to the world in general.
starling, Lancaster,
global warming is such a farce and shows such hipocrosy from the celebrities who are promoting it.Even if global warming was real,there is really nothing we can do to prevent it.The average person tries to conserve energy just to be able to pay our electric bills and drive our cars.this is a concept that
hollywood cannot even concieve to know.they are the abusers
and have the audacity to preach to the world.Why don't they take the money and energy they are wasting and put it to some legitimate and useful cause.
ann, sikeston,, mo
Reuben from Williamston, SC is right on.
The people at the concerts are the same people who protested U.S. missiles 20 years ago in West Germany. They're anti-establishment malcontents who resent wealth, progress and the ways of the market.
Sean King, Seaford, NY, USA
Yes the climate changes, the question is, what's causing it? What's causing global warming on mars? Forgive me for not believing people who demand that I stop using fossil fuels to heat and cool my home, while those same people live in homes ten-twenty times larger and tour the world in private jets and chauffeured limousines and in some cases earn their living by selling tens of millions of plastic discs.
Besides, if global warming is that dire, is the answer a mega concert of b-list acts needlessly creating millions of tons of c02?
El Duderino, West Hartford, CT United States of America
if we are really concerned about global warming surely the answer is not to have a huge global ego-fest with all the attendant use of resources but a world-wide "lets stay at home quietly and do nothing" day. As for all the posturing from rich megastars, did they all cycle to the gigs or arrive in hot-air balloons, self fuelled?
Ps Joe Juno National City California - nice one mate!
S D Wallis, Newport, Gwent
Repeat the same lies and half truths over and over again. Have the press present one side of the story only. Villanize anybody who doesn't agree with you. Holds giant rallies to gin up the masses. It worked for Adolph, so why not for the Greems?
john, howell, n.j.
Funny, none of the people who "matter" in modern music showed up, except for some teenybopper pop groups - the kiddies might listen to them. It looked more like a bunch of worn out has-beens and current nobodies played their "do as I say, not as I do" message to a crowd that appeared to be mid-forties and up. The same people who drive SUVs, soccer moms, mid to upper class white folks that have more than they need. What a huge yawn. No one my age is going to listen to people like Al Gore or Madonna; they're jokes. They missed the right audience. Wait, the right audience doesn't believe in them and considers them hypocrites, lol.
Georgianna, Indianapolis, IN
Just so you good people in the UK know, most of the cynics whining about this event arrived at this story via the Drudge Report, a right-wing news aggregator. The DR does whatever it can, day in and day out, to mock anyone who dares raise the question about global warming. Hence the predisposition of those posting here.
To wit, some of the DR's headlines regarding this event:
-PAPER: Live Earth fails to pack large-scale punch...
-Fifty bucks for a beer? Livid Earth in Sydney...
-Johannesburg low turnout blamed on cold and snow...
-Gore slams global warming doubters...
-BBC SHOCK: Chris Rock Swears At Wembley...
-'We would have to plant 100,000 trees to offset the effect of Live Earth'
-POP GOES THE PLANET: Earth underwhelmed by environment pop extravaganza...
Okay, we're all very impressed with your ability to mock Al Gore and the artists who performed. I guess it's too much to ask that you take a closer look at the science.
C Bob, Louisville, KY
Oh here we go! Out come all the Yanks who refuse to believe in global warming! They seem to have missed the point that ALL scientists are in agreement that it is happening, and it's happening faster than it would if it were only down to natural causes.
I wonder if the views of the Americans are somehow tainted by the fact that they're the ones causing the most damage, and that they're too selfish to do anything to change their behaviour? How I wish they'd grow up and take at look outside their own borders.
Anne, London, UK
Yes, I snub global warming as a political issue. Designed to enrich the powerful, not the people or the planet. I DO embrace global ecology, which has it's roots as a movement in the late 1960's, early 1970's.
One really must look at all angles and dimensions of cause and effect. Our one little planet is part of
one little galaxy in a very big Universe. Do we really know all there is to know about the orbits of all things
in our own Solar System? Our own galaxy let alone how other galaxies have an effect on Earth?
Not to mention Earth is not a cold rock, people. It has a very hot core. The crust floats on much of this.
Could be much of this warming is coming from....within. That is not to say we don't embrace good ecology lifestyles. I will be converting alot of my green lawn to rain purifying gardens, trees and other growing things way more beneficial to the lifecycle of many creatures and the air than a chemically treated lawn!
Last thought: Interesting how the global warming issue detracts from the pollution news coverage.
We are more at risk from pollution in the waters and air than carbon footprints.
RainWolf, Salem, NH
If the threat were that real or imminent, I suppose these hollywood rejects would have thought twice about gassing up their private jets....
Are these really eco-figthers...all of them jet around the planet, own multiple vehicles, offset their carbon footprints by reinvesting in their own companies (GORE) and most importantly are blissfully ignorant about absolutely everything. I wouldn't trust the material girl to pick up my dry cleaning.
BTW, there were ice ages and warm periods well before SUVs. The earth will outlive us all and mother nature could kill us whenever she likes.
Jacob, Paris, France
There was a time - a very long, long time ago - when the music made and messages offered by rock musicians were at least arguably consonant with the musicians' own lives (or at least what their fans knew of those lives). For example, the 1960's Beetles could keep straight faces singing "Nowhere Man" and "Elenor Rigby" and "She's Leaving Home" and plenty more of their "message" numbers while more or less plausibly arguing that they personally had something to say, something that they at least tried to embody in their own lives and alternative life styles. But offering up a sampling of performers mostly known for various forms of wretched excess as spokespeople for environmental moderation? What fool thought that up? It shouldn't have been necessary to calculate numbers of first-class flight miles traveled, gallons of fuel consumed, kilowatts of electricity spent, carbon released and god-knows-what other measures of excess to know that the whole Live Earth concept is absurd.
Terry Hughes, Los Angeles, California
Madonna was a "shoe-in"? Was she wearing high heels, or did you perhaps mean to say she was a shoo-in?
Jinx, Dublin,
Its interesting to see the heated response here from all sides. Regardless of whever you believe global warming is man made or not, the underlying message of the concerts, ie conservation, recycling and the developement of reusable fuels is really common sense.
Fossil fuels willl run out, it makes more sense to reuse something than throw it away.
However, it is obvious that the public perception of global warming and its causes is muddled at best. Clearly efforts must be made to clarify the causes to the general public so that there is no confusion
Another point, the general Europe anti-Americanism is sickening and its no surprise to see them taking the blame here as usual. No doubt the US pollutes, however, in the very near future China and India will overtake America in CO2 emissions produced.
But if your angry about Iraq or globalisation, no doubt its easy to blame the US
Chris, Glasgow,
The vanity of man astounds me. To think that we insignifcant beings could change the entire planet! Who knew that using an all natural resource could have such disasterous effects!
When did Rock music become pro government/establishment?
I'm very psyched to see so much rational thought on this, but Im also pretty disappointed by those who fear logic and support the global warming "faith."
By The way, I see the Pussycat Dolls as the most credible source of world safety and concerns don't you? (Ahem, that was sarcasm...)
ok I'm done now
Grandpa Samuel, Chicago, IL, USA
Live Earth? It was held last night? Who knew?
More importantly, who cares? Not many, it seems!
A colossal failure - "global warming" is nothing but hot air, and it seems the bubble has been burst, thankfully.
Timmy, Lowell, USA, MA
these HYPOCRITS who live in miltiple homes w/ multiple cars w/ private jets etc etc to tell me that I need to use public trans, sell my SUV, and keep my toilet paper usage down to one square per wipe(!!!) make me vomit to say the least. They can preach their ridiculous LIBERAL and assinine global warming message until the cows melt b/c none of it makes sense and there is so much evidence to the contrary for those who are intellectually honest to know that most of what they say is hot air. (nop pun intended)
barb richardson, orlando, Fl., USA
The reason Geldof's concerts fared better is simple -- the causes were genuine. Man-made weather change is too controversial to suffer through some energy consuming narcissist performing on stage. Sorry, Al.
TonyD , Blue Bell, PA, USA
Who gets the money?
Michael, Sydney, Australia
you may not be able to see CO2, N2O or CH4 but that does not mean that these GHGs are not increasing in concentrations in the atmosphere.
and you may not be able to understand the link between these GHG increases and global warming and subsequent changes in climate patterns...its an incredibly complex system.
But at least recognise the poor state of rivers and oceans, the air quality in cities, the overflowing land fill sites, and increasing health problems..
and just think that if you used energy a bit more wisely, bought less packaging, recycled and re-used stuff..you may just help the environment you live in, and even save yourself some money
Declan M, Milan,
A couple of points of "notability"...
1. I find it humorous that the live streaming of this event on MSN was sponsored by Chevy here in the States.
Seriously !! I showed my wife the ad in the upper right cornet os Windows Media Player, and we both had a good laugh.
2. The tradgedy in New Orleans was not caused by global warming. That was not the first time in history southern Louisiana was wiped out by hurricanes.... So stop spewing that garbage. You loose all credibility...
3. One more thing of note. Have you seen the picture of Al Gore's desk in Time magazine? He has 3, 30" apple computer monitors which each use at a minimum of 150 watts along with the flat screen TV.
As a fan of Apple products even I cannot believe the hypocrisy!
But I am SURE he offsets that with carbon credits.. Ya right. I am creating carbon credits right now by skipping every other breath so I can charge my new iPhone.... :-)
Chuck, Tewksbury, MA
to james in the uk...
the pretetiousness of the people from the various euro tribes toward the united states never ceases to amaze me.
you said "A global concert such as this should surely promote awareness in the States... the place that by far needs it the most."
"by far" - paaalease. i'm sure you realize that the iea has estimated that within a year or two china will be the number one co2 producer in the world.
i'm confident that your pretentious angst will be directed toward the globally responsible and no doubt "aware" population of china next. (i bet that secretly you wish you lived in america.)
chuck, mesa az, usa
It is funny... did anyone say anthropogenic? The planet warms and cools all by itself. No one has proved that we are having any impact at all.
The idea that the 'sins of man' are causing the planet to turn into a hell like venus and the 'tipping point' is just around the corner beyond which will be unable to stop the planet from being completely destroyed.
What complete idiocy. I am with the NASA Guy; who is to say this is the optimal climate? Before we start gettting all alarmed maybe we should take a breath and consider what it would be like if we could farm in GreenLand again? That might be the optimal climate for the planet so why fight it?
Where is the eveidence that CO2 is a forcing agent? THERE IS NO PROOF. Just a bunch of people with no understanding saying, "Al told me so! Al knows everything and is never wrong. The man is a god." Sorry, that does not constitute 'truth'. Science does not need a consensus. There is no eveidence for these claims just smoke and mirrors.
Steve B, Tulsa, OK
utterly hypocritical all day, one performer even called words to the effect of " hey crowd reduce your carbon footprint cause ive tried its too hard"
behind Ross for the whole event were those damned silly lights sure they may be Energy efficient but turning them off is more so
how far did people drive to go to the event, hell some flew
Global warming isnt understood the whole planets ecology is immensly complex and codependent but what else do we know? that global warming also seems to be effecting olympus mons, on mars, our atmosphere must be doing a awful lot to manage that, harder yet apparent warming on Titan with pluto the only noted cooling (dwarf) planet and thats as its distance to the sun is increasoing
CO2 is Bad methane is bad particulate soot in the air is bad smog and pollution is bad we all know this its obvious but the cause effect chain isnt established. we should waste less not because of the climate change boogey man but because its the sencible thing to do
Richard, Derbyshire, United Kingdom
I am one of the biggest heritics when it comes to the new religion of "man-made/caused" global warming. I feel we have as much to do with it as we did with the creation of the Universe. 30 +/- years ago we were all doomed from the coming global cooling. Now here we are with Chicken Little a.k.a. Al Gore, screaming of the warming. I wonder if in another 20-30 years we won't be looking back at this wondering and laughing about all the hype and screaming just as we are about the last "global cooling"?
His concert to raise awareness is nothing more than his own personnal little soapbox. Yes I believe we should care for our planet but cripes, let's not get so fanatical about it that we listen to "Chicken Little" and stampede over other's opinions in hatred because they dare to differ or disbelieve.
Jerry, Yakima,
What a pointless concert. I hope more people than not know the Global Warming myth is a scam and insult to our intelligence.
Kay, Chicago, Il
I would suggest that Mr Sandall learn the names of the some of the songs he references.
The James Blunt song is "You're Beautiful", and the Pussycat Dolls song is "Don't Cha". Really, what on earth is "Bet You Wish Your Girlfriend etc etc". Bit lazy isn't it?
Chris, London,
I'm amazed by the vast number of people willing to sign onto the man-made global warming scams. P. T. Barnum really was right. Get a few celebrities and a wacky US Political has been to trot around telling us the sky is falling if we don't stop using electricity and gasoline...and the dumb masses eat it right up. So much for science. Global warming IS the intelligent design/creationism of the 21st century.
sarah van, Taos, NM/USA
"The average temperature of the earth has moved up less than 1 degree Fover the last 100 years"
Indeed. Or to be exact:
"Global average air temperature near the Earth's surface rose 0.74 ± 0.18 °C (1.3 ± 0.32 °F) during the past century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concludes, "most of the observed increase in globally averaged temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations"
starling, Lancaster,
Paul in Portland is right! It's at least 4 degrees cooler here in Newark California. THE CONCERT WORKED!!!
Bert, Newark,
Best comment so far... "Maybe if he quit trying to save the planet, he could save his son." Hahah! Perfect! Algore...the "goracle"....Sheesh, what a despicable joke. That bloated gasbag needs to close his hole.
drolmorg, Farmington, Illinois
Al Gore "worked the tobacco"...he and his family made $ millions from Occidental petrolium/Chemical {the folks sued over the love canal mess}, and Al owns shares in zinc strip mines, as the poor fools sit slack jawed in front of Al Gore's Idiot movie. The whole affair was summed up by one of the rap stars interviewed after his performance....his idea to save earth.."you know when you leave a light on, to keep burglers away?, well stop... it's all good"
thomas stratford, Holiday, florida/USA
CO2 is a trace gas in air which has 200 times as many molecules of water vapor that absorb four times as much infrared per molecule for a net effect 800 times that of CO2, but water vapor cannot be taxed so the elected class ignores it.
chemist
Adrian Vance, Lakeport, USA, California
It was a beautiful concert, beautiful music, bit preachy at times, but got its message across. If there is increased consumer demand for fuel efficiency, producers will respond.
In spinning this event as a failure, and you are creating, not reflecting, the reality. Bob Geldof should write a new work, "Professional Jealousy."
Lin, Trenton, USA
I confess I didn't watch the "who's who" concert. My thought is "if" Al Gore wants people to take his efforts seriously, he'll stop issuing himself "carbon credits" while still poluting the world. It's like a priest telling his flock not to sin while sinning himself. There's no credibility. Oh yeah, Mars is heating up too, and so are other planets. No life on them, no electric, no vehicles, no nothing. Al doesn't have explainations because he's ignored everything but his ego.
Ron, Glendale, Arizona
Surely this bunch of planet saving
bands should have been playing
"unplugged" if they were serious.
Then again maybe they bought
carbon credits from uncle Al.
dav, Brisbane, Australia
Didn't Roger Waters play on the Live Earth bill? No mention in the article?
Ryan, Cincinnati, OH, USA
Same pattern as used in previous gigs
Global Warming
Global Religion
Global Welfare
It's all about the money.
Dan, Norman, OK
Did no-one else notice the hilarious line in Duran Duran's awful set, "I switched on the lights the TV and the radio, still I could not escape the ghost of you". Probably got the words a bit wrong but the message is still there. Ho ho ho, lets save energy and the planet!
Rob, Manchester, UK
I think most of us did the right thing for the environment, stayed home. I stayed home, turned the TV off, opened the shades, and read to my kids. This must have been one of the biggest "carbon footprints" since Mt. St, Hellens! What would we do if the "limo-liberals" all became socially conscience? You know, shared their wealth, lived a lifestyle similar to an average American (far above the world average!), put on cheaper daytime shows, etc. I know a hypocrite when I see one. I am trying to recover from being one. Send prayers to all,
From an open-minded-ultra-conservative-constitutional-libertarian .... appologize for any mispellings
dion, tulsa, ok
I see as usual comments are populated with grotesque generalizations about Americans and other countries. The people who make such comments usually feel that they understand politics and opinion more than others, that they're somehow more "enlightened," but all they do is to continue to ensure that people stay divided by stereotype rather than united by understanding and humanity. You may not like someone's opinion, but choosing to make an effort to know why someone feels a certain way is preferable to casting them as an ingrate.
L, Virginia Beach, Virginia
For decades the socialists told us their programs would end poverty. Now that there is no longer any doubt that socialism in fact causes poverty the socialists have started calling themselves environmentalists and have made poverty their goal.
Dave, Tomball, Tx
I cannot understand all the cynical, dismissive voices who have added comments to this story.
Whatever you believe or do not believe about climate change, how can you possibly defend the human race continuing to treat the one planet in the universe on which we can exist as a giant dustbin. The seas are full of plastic, what rivers we haven't drained full of chemicals and the atmosphere horribly polluted. No one pretends that the problem with global warming is entirely man made, but is this the sort of world you flippant idiots who think it's all just a big liberal yawn want your grandchildren to inherit?
Yes China is a problem, and one that can hopefully be tackled by helping the country leapfrog the industrial age. Yes there are other problems with the world that may seem more urgent right now, but if we abuse the planet to the point where in a century or so it cannot support human life at all how petty are the problems of the early 21st century going to seem?
Martin Howard, Lot et Garonne , France
It's July. Why don't these live hoax concerts play in January? Anybody?
Crickets chirping.
c'est moi, Helena, MT
Didn't Black Eyed Peas write a song for the show too? I preferred them and the Pussycat Dolls to Madonna. A better presenter than Jonathan Ross who actually believed in the cause would have made much more impact, a no snippets from Al gores film were shown. Bad presentation has failed to get an important message through to the consumerists.
Liz martin, Earl Shilton, England
Algore is certifiably wacko. Possibly the trauma of not being President affected his mind. He is in so deep on that unsubstantiated global warming religion that he can no more find his way out of it than Bush can find his way out of Iraq. Many reputable scientists who WERE supporting global warming have changed their minds and come to understand that it's wacko science.
Don Carriker, Springfield, MO USA
The venue is getting as old as the rock stars who performed at these functions, and the new artists seem rather pedestrian in comparison. We've seen it all before and we've become jaded. A new cause needs a new form to carry it where the public gets excited about it. I guess we've gone lukewarm on something that once was the hottest. You can have too much of a good thing.
Doug Denmark, Pasadena, California USA
Never mind greenhouse gasses poliuting the air, the only think poluting the air during the Live Earth event was faul language all the way throughout the day. Was this not meant to be a family friendly event?
My the BBC are in for it now from OFCOM, particularly over the trouble they got into only a year ago at the LIVE 8 event.
Mike Smith, Norwich, UK
Good to see the good ole US of A are getting the message, as shown by Bill, Wayne and Andrea. It does seem to make the whole thing pointless if these are representative of the views of Joe Public in the Greatest (Polluting) Nation In The World. Hopefully, they are strictly the minority.
Clyde, Leeds,
Spinal Tap's "bass-off" was one of the greatest moments in rock in recent times. Pure genius, and you only have to take a look at the video so see that everyone was in on the joke and loving it. It didn't save the world, but it has achieved its main goal, to teach performers that they can be carbon neutral as they tour... entertainment need not harm the earth. I say "good show!"
Steve, London, UK
Thank God we have musicians to tell us exactly what is happening scientifically to our planet and that we can control Nature. I sure hope that govts. tax the hell out of their most productive citizens so we can all live in undeveloped third world squalor.
And to Will in London, You're right , just because other planets in the solar system are warming due to increased solar radiation, it doesn't mean that our is. It is not the sun that provides us with heat and energy, it's CO2! Why not stop breathing and cool us off?
Ricardo Maxwell, Middleburg, FLA
Blah, Blah, Blah
Steve, Raeford, NC
It amazes me that so many people (idiots) believe anything that Al Gore has to say. I did my part for global warming today, I hiked up a leg and broke wind! :)
Bob, Reno, Nv
The more we do to raise awareness the better, I don't think people really realise how serious a problem planet earth faces. It is all too easy to discredit these global concerts, but to me it is another reminder that this world needs a new strategy now before it is too late. I take my hat off to the organisers, it is a worthy cause! Please don't criticise and start doing your bit!!
Shane, Saffron Walden,
Spent most of my Sunday picking up equipment used at Giant stadium. How are people taught to conserve when they can't even pick up after themselves. Garbage strewn all over. The event did help the economies of all logistical folks involved. Thanks AL
ski, Red Hook,
"Human CO2 emissions causing global warming? Rubbish! Watch "The Great Global Warming Swindle" to learn the REAL truth!"
What, the channel 4 thing that had several scientists complain that their comments had been deliberately edited to fit the program? There was a bit of a scandal about that one. Basically, it turned out that the program was a swindle itself.
starling, Lancaster,
concerned about their super egos and not about climate change - personal helicopter/plane anyone?
vic, Bridlington, UK
This whole so called event was to raise money for MoveOn not save the planet. The inconvenient truth is that we are going through a climate change due to natrual cycles not because we drive a SUV. As for re-electing Bush would have Kerry/ Edwards been a better choice? I think not! Americans better get their head out of the sand and realize that the elite just aren't happy unless they are in control of everyones lives. The smell of socialism is in the air be it Bloomberg, Pelosi, Kennedy, Reid, etc. Let's get back to closing the borders and not worry about climate change that we have no control over. I am an american citizen not a world citizen.
John, Palm Harbor, FL, USA
ManBearPig Gorebot flops again.
Can't wait to buy the DVD in the cutout bin....in earth friendly packaging of course...
George, Tulsa, OK
Direct measurements of the Sun's output since 1978 show a steady rise and fall over its 11-year sunspot cycle, but no trend either upwards or downward.
There is also no trend in direct measurements of the Sun's ultraviolet output nor its cosmic rays.
So for the period for which we have direct and reliable data, the Earth has warmed dramatically even though there has been no corresponding rise in any kind of solar activity.
The recent observations of warming on Mars and Pluto can be explained by the peculiar terrain at the southern polar ice cap and the delayed greenhouse effect of evaporated methane gas respectively.
Samuel, London, United Kingdom
The whole point of this worldwide event was to create an awareness and discussion on climate change.This is the single most important issue facing mankind, it's beyond party politics or one upmanship.
We can discuss till doomsday the merits of staging such an event as live earth.The pros and cons are wasted in the sands of time.
The bigger picture demands we address the critical issues and work together.
DEREK , DUBLIN, IRELAND
Global Warming is a political ploy to distract you from paying attention to the fact that our government is selling this country out to communist countries around the world. You have to read between the lies.
John Morandi, Tampa, FL
At least Algore managed to schedule one of his global warming statements during the summer unlike his previous attempts in the blinding snow and cold. He is learning, I guess.
Joe, Phoenix, AZ
I wonder why?
Eric Miklas, North East, Maryland
What is silly is that a lot of us are already doing much of what they want us to do. I checked my "carbon footprint" and was actually lower than what they want (toilet paper wasting excused).
Most of it is common sense that I would bet most of us are doing.
It tells me that there is another agenda here......taxing and making profit. thats all it is. Why don't they sell how to tapes and videos at these things? maybe they did. It is a scam.
I have much respect for the bands that opted out of this.
Charlie Crenshaw, Austin, Texas
Hey Al:
How many trees do you need to plant to offset the five tires I burned during your silly and low turn out concert?
I took the liberty of burning off about 12 qts. of used motor oil so you'll have to figure out how many trees you need to plant for that as well.
John Salsgiver, FORD CITY, PENNSYLVANIA
Just so much silliness. The Left always needs some continuing crisis of one sort or another (overpopulation, global cooling, new ice age, nuclear winter, global warming.... what's next year's crisis?) to convince people to relinqush their freedoms to the enlightened leadership of the elites. The elites, of course, sneer at the idea of living by the same rules they endorse for the rest of us. Enough energy was consumed in one day by these events perhaps to fuel a small country for year or more.
John L, Clarksville, VA USA
I remember back in the '70's how we were being warned of a 'Global Cooling'. What happened in 25 years? When activists like Laurie David and Al Gore do not leave the door open for discussion or debate about what is happening (if anything) with the earth then it leads me to believe that they either have selfish motives or just can't support their view with facts. Either way, this has become big business and I think certain people want it that way.
Steve K, berwick, , ME
Well done Alan Carr - the star of the show!
Victoria, Salford,
I'm already conserving, no car, no flights and not much electricity used.. it's because I'm broke!
JOe Von Freisenstein, Cheapsville, Canada
I watched some of Live Earth. I liked it, people seemed to be having a good time and it definitely brought up a lot of good conversation about protecting our planet. Anything that gets the whole world together, like the Olympics, is a good thing.
By the way, I lean to the right and I don't believe Global Warming is manmade and I think Al Gore is hypocrit. I do, however, think there are very important issues that need to be tackled with the environment, like keeping our ground water clean, recycling, picking up trash. I think everyone needs to be more cognizent that we ARE abusing the Earth and need to take better steps to protect it, no matter how small. I hope all the liberals out there can see that there are people on the right who want to protect the planet, we just don't want the government to tell us how to do it.
Kim, O Fallon, USA
Boy, did I pull one over on these idiots. I am making a fortune off of "global warming" and these liberal morons are eating out of my hand. Meanwhile, i will continue to fly in my corporate jets and heat my olympic size pool, and they contimue to think I am God.
Al Gore, Fantasy Land, USA
Isn't funny that the average person's opinion (which makes up the other 99% of the world) is completely contrary to those of the hollywood elite and it's political friends? Yet, somehow, no matter what rational science is saying, it only counts if it comes from the mouth of the likes of the nauseating .5%. Sadly, it would be tolerable if they weren't the same ones making outrageous policy for the 99% minoins to live by, excluding themselves, of course!
thinkforyourselfgirl, Riverside, CA
New Jersey's governor signs a strict carbon offset law while the states main power producer says, "It's going to cost consumers more, but at least we'll save the planet."
Translation? The power company supports it because they just guaranteed a rise in profits at our expense. The carbon traders (think Al Gore's company), an illusory industry where people trade the "right" to pollute, will profit at our expense. Meanwhile? China builds a coal-fired plant a day while more and more scientist buck the politically correct trend and deny man-made global warming.
John C, Virginia Beach, VA USA
Okay, I agree that Co2 causes pollution, but what is Al Gore going to do when the sun warms the earth regardless of his concerts? Protest the sun?
Roland, San Francisco, CA
Beastie Boys "faux-rap"? I presume that means white. I'd quite like to know what Robert Sandell considers to be "genuine rap".
Bobby, London,
No surprise there that USA should have such comtempt towards this. Whatever your taste in stadium music, the underlying issue is the point here. Continuing a life of hedonism in the face of the facts is the take home message, not what you think of Genesis but to see the Ocala Ostrich Outlook for what it is.
Paul, London,
You obviously bothered to watch and hopefully learned something new about global warming. That's the point of the show. If millions of ignorant people (like yourself) make small adjustments to their lifestyles; like using energy effcient lightbulbs or taking shorter showers, it can have a huge impact on the planet. It's all about the numbers and 2 billion people is an amazing start. Who cares what Bob Geldork thinks.
Gunner, Los Angeles, USA
Boring ethnic (i.e. Western) trendiness. Narrow, ethnocentric, useless.
Phil, Hong Kong,
What melted the last great ice age, a fleet of poorly tuned Pintos? Al Eins...oops, Gore, where did you get your Climatology and Meteorology Doctorates?
Jim Keen, Baltimore, Maryland
Defining hypocrisy
In an act of hypocrisy the aim is to condemn another person or people, not to condemn an act. To preach against an act of which one is oneself guilty does not in itself constitute hypocrisy, even if one takes efforts to conceal one's behaviour. It becomes hypocrisy when it involves verbal attacks or demands of punishment against perpetrators of the act that one practices oneself. Hypocrisy can be, simply put, the pot calling the kettle black.
Most everyone needs to be very quite !
Tex, Brooks, USA / GA
I don't understand what makes people think that mankind has such an impact on the environment. The earth goes through cycles and changes...that's all there is too it. And how is this concert, where celebrities fly their private jets and burn thousands of gallons of fuel, going to solve anything anyway?
It's all a big joke. And I love how the people call some Americans "ignorant" and "negative"...just because we question and doubt the global warming hysteria. I am a conservative, and I am not "nasty" and "negative". I do have respect for the environment. I just don't believe in all of this nonsense about man having the power to change the temperature of the planet. I drive a Honda Civic. All of the celebs fly private jets.
Andrew, St. Louis, MO, USA
Martian Rover. Evidently it was built by Chrysler and is single-handedly (single wheelingly???) causing the global warming on Mars:)
Matt, Ridgecrest, USA CA
So now that the stars have bealched their filth into the air we're okay? Just like the concert that saved New Orleans, or the concert that saved Africa from starving, or the concert that saved American Farms?
Enough already. They would do better to open their own wallets and ground their own planes.
James, New York, US/NY
To those here from other countries that are slamming American's for our free thought, you don't seem to have, keep on slamming us. Oh, and keep believing a man who said he "invented" the internet.
Linda Pence, USA, PA
Al Gore - Climate Change: Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha all his hot air is warming up the air around him!
Ty, Duxbury, USA MA
Martian Ice Shrinking Dramatically
According to a September 20 NASA news release, "for three Mars summers in a row, deposits of frozen carbon dioxide near Mars' south pole have shrunk from the previous year's size, suggesting a climate change in progress." Because a Martian year is approximately twice as long as an Earth year, the shrinking of the Martian polar ice cap has been ongoing for at least six Earth years.
The shrinking is substantial. According to Michael Malin, principal investigator for the Mars Orbiter Camera, the polar ice cap is shrinking at "a prodigious rate."
"The images, documenting changes from 1999 to 2005, suggest the climate on Mars is presently warmer, and perhaps getting warmer still, than it was several decades or centuries ago," reported Yahoo News on September 20.
Ben Picard, Dunedin, New Zealand
Defining hypocrisy !
In an act of hypocrisy the aim is to condemn another person or people, not to condemn an act. To preach against an act of which one is oneself guilty does not in itself constitute hypocrisy, even if one takes efforts to conceal one's behaviour. It becomes hypocrisy when it involves verbal attacks or demands of punishment against perpetrators of the act that one practices oneself. Hypocrisy can be, simply put, the pot calling the kettle black.
Most everyone needs to be very quite !
Tex from Brooks, GA.
Tex, Brooks, USA / GA
Madonna rescued the concert? Her guitar-posing looked ridiculous and she ended up playing the two chords of Ray of Light the wrong way round. La Ilsa Bonita sounded and looked like bad Eurovision. And as for Hey You, we can only assume Al Gore asked her to "write something that sounds like Hey Jude" and she thought he meant the title. She was also one of the biggest embarrassments to the cause when it comes to the participants' own personal carbon footprints.
M.C. Glammer, Edinburgh,
Ken from Middleburg, FL: Would you recognize science if it bit you? There is this thing called the IPCC report, prepared by a couple thousand climate scientists. Have you read the science section? Have you read the less technical Summary for Policy Makers? Have you even read the overview summary? This is science. Shut up, Ken.
strangelet, San Jose,, CA
TO: Kamal Singhrao, Sonoma, (Brit Expat), California/USA
LMAO at you. Here you are bitc*ing about Americans and yet you Choose to live here. Typical hypocrite liberal.
I hope you enjoy the freedom America offers you.
AlanD, Philadelphia, USA
How can anyone take messages seriously when delivered by a bunch of narcissistic shallow celebrities. I feel crushed with religious zealots on the right, and eco-fascists on the left. When will common sense and the silent majority prevail?
Perry Harris, AYLESBURY, Bucks
We are already in a global cooling period - it is cyclical - so should Al Gore.
John Gomperz, Palmdale, USA
I'm wondering how we humans here on earth have contributed to the global warming on the other planets in our solar system. Is it time to build a fluorescent sun?
Will, Fannett, Texas, USA
Amazing. I have never seen so many Americans interested in commenting on an article in a UK newspaper - the question is, which right-wing US political group has urged you to blast this event in international op-ed pages? You are all only proving what the rest of the world already knows - that Americans, the greatest contributors to Global Warming, are also in the greatest denial over it.
Anna, London,
Al Gore strikes again! Going off half cocked and not getting the job done.
Lack of truth in the message is why the shows had no punch. There's a handful of believers that buy the "message"
and are elitist enough in their thinking to believe the masses can't understand this "very complex issue" without them.
When Al Gore says "the debate is over" he is just trying to shut up the common sense people and get you to drink the cool aid.
Is there anybody in the civilized world who hasn't heard of global warming? It even happened to the Vikings 1000 years ago at a higher tempurature than today.
Giving Al Gore your money is the most foolish thing anyone can do. Your feeding the monster who prays on your fears.
I wonder what MR Gore will pay himself for running the saving of humanity?
Rational, N.Reading , MA
All this had a the 'what's the point?' feel to it. It's not Linkin Park is going to engineer the cleaner burning car engine, nor are the reformed Smashing Pumpkins going to stop their noise pollution.
I'd admit it, I voted for Gore, but I wonder what would have been any different to live in his America that wasn't the same as George Bush's America except for the environmental concerts.
Quentin Beck, Spokane , USA/WA
Just the way to save the earth, a concert! You wacko liberals never cease to imaze. Global warming is far from proven, especially given the new temperature readings for the artic.
Derek, San Diego, CA, USA
al gore- tend to your sun
kujive, cinti, , oh
Global warming
Global religion
Global welfare
Global Socialism - redistribution of wealth via handicapping energy consumption and production. Its the only way the EuroParasites can keep up with the US.
Fen, Washington DC, USA
"My countrymen are pathetic and idiotic. America is inhabited with the dumbest people on the planet (look at all the dumb comments posted by my fellow Americans here). I love how some of these people have the nerve to call concert goers "sheep" and yet they all repeat the same talking points that were given out by the idiotic Bush whitehouse concerning global warming."
Stop projecting. Its very telling that your best response to Global Warming cynics is a personal attack. You're the pathetic idiot, not them. Try reason instead - oh wait, I forgot - you guys have to rely on fear and hyperbole because your cause is fraudulent.
Fen, Washington DC, USA
To the guy who brought up "Bush ratings"..note that the Democratically controlled CONGRESS ratings are 1/2 of Bush's ratings.
As for the guy who thinks our science ed is bad here in the states..probably true, but what you are seeing are the results of those who WERE well educated and who can actually research the REST of the the story that our left-wing ( and yours) don't want to talk about. Something like 93% of our journalists are avowed left-wingers. Yours is higher. Doesn't it worry you to hear news from people with only one agenda? If it doesn't, living in China with its plethora of Nobel Prize Science winners ( in case you don't see this, it is sarcasm) would suit you fine.
Pauline, San Francisco, USA
I'm so tired of those who have no qualifications whatsoever demanding adoption of their position on whatever issue seems to be in vogue at the time. Most couldn't engage in a logical discussion of the issues with a two-week head start.
Then there are the moguls of industry, like Richard Branson, who make his billions filling the sky with aircraft, who have the balls to target one country or another for scorn.
And, most of all, where is all the money going? I've yet to have anyone lay out in black and white who profits from this recent display of planetary ignorance.
If we're going to submit to the opinions of the like of the Pussycat Dolls, why not have Alanis Morisette set up a brain surgery clinic to lobotomize those who paid fortunes to attend Live Earth? She could use the money to buy carbon offsets.
clarke, tupelo, MS/USA
Global warming and cooling have always been here and always will be. Even if humans were to go extinct, there would still be global warming/cooling.
Global Warming is a cult religion with its high priests (think AlGore) sins, guilt, judgment. If it can be sold, it will allow over- taxing of people without any resistance from them because of their guilt. Follow the money and power and you see what is the driving force behind Evangelist AlGore.
Elizabeth, Stockton, CA
As phony and pretentious as the "global warming" premise it is based on. No people were fed, no lives changed, no opinions changed -- with the net proceeds appa