Live Earth: Hitting the Right Notes for Environmental Harmony

When most people think of Live Earth, they think of the celebrity-packed concerts thrown on every continent in 2007.  On July 7, 2007, 132 countries broadcast this global call to action for the climate crisis to an estimated two billion people. There was even a concert in Antarctica thanks to an intrepid research garage band (sans garage, of course).

But Live Earth, founded by Kevin Wall in 2007 does much more than plan concerts. In partnership with former Vice President and Nobel laureate Al Gore, the organization continues its work to build coalitions and empower everyone to take action to heal the planet.

Everyone Can Be An Environmental Rock Star

From the beginning, Live Earth has been an interactive affair, and the organization continues to strive to educate the public about both global climate issues and how each person’s actions can make a difference. Those attending the 2007 concerts personally or virtually were all encouraged to take the Live Earth pledge, which consists of a few easy actions:

• Change a minimum of four light bulbs in the home to CFLs
• Shop for the most energy-efficient electronics and appliances
• Ride public transit or carpooling at least once a week

Even though there won't be a concert this year, you can still keep the spirit of Live Earth, well, alive through Earth911.com Earth Day pledges. Photo: briangreene.com

Spreading the Word

Thanks to its high profile founders and concerts, Live Earth has been able to reach people all over the world. The organization sends out regular e-mails about upcoming initiatives, action alerts and innovative resources. Live Earth has also published the “Live Earth Global Warming Handbook” and sponsors the Live Earth Film Series.

Partnering for the Planet

The Live Earth events in 2007 served as a global call to action, and the organization has continued to work with a variety of organizations to build on the enthusiasm for activism that was sparked on that hot July day. Those visiting the Live Earth site can learn more about additional actions to take by visiting some of the partner sites:

• Alliance for Climate Protection/The We Campaign
• The Climate Project
• One.org

Green Gala Guidance from the Experts

As Live Earth proved with the global event in 2007, the organization knows a thing or two about planning a party. Whether you are throwing an Earth Day affair or setting up a regular sustainability meeting, Live Earth’s Green Event Guidelines can help. You can use these guides to find tips on everything from food and drinks to sponsors for your eco-friendly gathering. The result: Your bash will be a hit with your guests, while still treading lightly on the planet. And we can all take our recycled paper party hats off to that one.

What exactly does it mean to “green” an event? According to the Live Earth site, “A ‘green event’ is a live event that seeks to minimize its resource use and potentially negative impacts on the environment.”