Climate change experts will advise Madonna and other megastars how to reduce their carbon footprint during the Live Earth concerts held across the globe today.

The Police, Justin Timberlake and KT Tunstall are among 150 artists taking part in the Al Gore-inspired event, spanning eight concerts, with a potential reach of two billion people.

However, the event has been criticised by bands including Arctic Monkeys, The Who and Muse who argued that it was hypocritical for stars to jump off their private jets to preach a green message. John Buckley, managing director of consultancy Carbonfootprint.com, said: “Live Earth wouldn’t be able to get such large audiences without high-profile stars, but sometimes you wonder if they are the best people because they do live an affluent lifestyle.”

Mr Buckley said Madonna, who will headline the Wembley Stadium show, was noted for running a fuel-guzzling Range Rover. “ Material Girl was all about buying things after all,” he said.

Climate change experts from the Met Office will be on hand at the Wembley Stadium backstage area to advise rock stars on the environmental impact of their lifestyles. Dr Richard Betts, Climate Impacts Expert, will hold consultations with performers and suggest more energy efficient travel alternatives to the Learjet.

A Met Office spokesman said: “During the concert Richard will be backstage in order to advise any of the acts, such as Madonna and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, on climate change.”

Experts will also brief Jonathan Ross, presenter of the BBC’s live coverage, who was criticised in a BBC report on impartiality for promoting the Make Poverty History campaign during the 2005 Live 8 concert. Live Earth organisers promised that the concerts, also taking place in New York, Johannesburg, Shanghai, Tokyo, Sydney, Hamburg and Rio de Janeiro, will be carbon neutral.

A comprehensive recycling system for waste is promised at each venue and vehicles used to transport stars will be petrol-electric hybrids.

The highlight of the event is expected to be Madonna’s surprise collaboration with Gogol Bordello, a group of Ukrainian gypsy punks famed for their riotous live shows.

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