Live Earth hypocrisy
July 7th 2007 22:30
What is "Live Earth" about?
That sounds like an admirable goal, doesn't it? Even if you're not a Global Warming activist, it's noble that someone believes in something and can put together a movement to raise awareness towards solving what he feels is a huge problem. And the fact that it's packaged in something "fun" -- like a concert -- sounds like a great marketing strategy.
How could anyone have a problem with that?
Well, it appears that this event/concert is an absolute disaster in terms of the environment.
What were the organizers thinking? Did they not realize that the actual concert itself was an exercise in utter hypocrisy? Is this whole thing a joke? Did they think people wouldn't notice how wasteful the concert was?
I applaud the efforts of folks who believe in an issue and work hard to mobilize people and resources around that issue. However, shameless and transparent hypocrisy of the magnitude exhibited in this instance seriously undermines their efforts -- no matter how well-intentioned they are.
"Do as I say, not as I do" is not and never will be an effective call to action.
Live Earth is a 24-hour, 7-continent concert series taking place on 7/7/07 that will bring together more than 100 music artists and 2 billion people to trigger a global movement to solve the climate crisis.
That sounds like an admirable goal, doesn't it? Even if you're not a Global Warming activist, it's noble that someone believes in something and can put together a movement to raise awareness towards solving what he feels is a huge problem. And the fact that it's packaged in something "fun" -- like a concert -- sounds like a great marketing strategy.
How could anyone have a problem with that?
Well, it appears that this event/concert is an absolute disaster in terms of the environment.
A Daily Mail investigation has revealed that far from saving the planet, the extravaganza will generate a huge fuel bill, acres of garbage, thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions, and a mileage total equal to the movement of an army.
The most conservative assessment of the flights being taken by its superstars is that they are flying an extraordinary 222,623.63 miles between them to get to the various concerts - nearly nine times the circumference of the world. The true environmental cost, as they transport their technicians, dancers and support staff, is likely to be far higher.
The total carbon footprint of the event, taking into account the artists' and spectators' travel to the concert, and the energy consumption on the day, is likely to be at least 31,500 tonnes of carbon emissions, according to John Buckley of Carbonfootprint.com, who specialises in such calculations.
Throw in the television audience and it comes to a staggering 74,500 tonnes. In comparison, the average Briton produces ten tonnes in a year.
The most conservative assessment of the flights being taken by its superstars is that they are flying an extraordinary 222,623.63 miles between them to get to the various concerts - nearly nine times the circumference of the world. The true environmental cost, as they transport their technicians, dancers and support staff, is likely to be far higher.
The total carbon footprint of the event, taking into account the artists' and spectators' travel to the concert, and the energy consumption on the day, is likely to be at least 31,500 tonnes of carbon emissions, according to John Buckley of Carbonfootprint.com, who specialises in such calculations.
Throw in the television audience and it comes to a staggering 74,500 tonnes. In comparison, the average Briton produces ten tonnes in a year.
What were the organizers thinking? Did they not realize that the actual concert itself was an exercise in utter hypocrisy? Is this whole thing a joke? Did they think people wouldn't notice how wasteful the concert was?
I applaud the efforts of folks who believe in an issue and work hard to mobilize people and resources around that issue. However, shameless and transparent hypocrisy of the magnitude exhibited in this instance seriously undermines their efforts -- no matter how well-intentioned they are.
"Do as I say, not as I do" is not and never will be an effective call to action.
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Comment by Howard
Real Crash
The whole thing is a fraud, and an excuse to create arbitrary rules in which to kill 5-billion people under a globalized dictatorship. So of course they are hypocrites, it's just a lot of evil crap.
Also, the Southern Greenland ice is not sliding off and creating a 20-foot "splash in a Martini glass". Did you see that? Check out the great link from National Geographic.
Comment by Populist Conservative
Speaking about global warming, I can remember the cries in the 70's that the next ice age was imminent. So forgive me if I'm a little skeptical.
Nevertheless, I think we should all try to do our part individually to avoid harming the environment. That doesn't seem unreasonable.
Comment by Econ Grad Stud
You'd think they'd have seen this coming.
However the concert does show the real motivation isn't bringing attention to "Global Warming".
The real motivation is bringing attention to spoiled elites who feel they must wash away their guilt by preaching sacrifice to us while they're still living wasteful lifestyles.
Comment by PopulistConservative
Angry Electorate