Live Earth?

I am underwhelmed by the Live Earth phenomenon which swept the planet over the weekend. A series of concerts were held in various global venues featuring some of the top names of contemporary music, near-past and present. Madonna was the closing act in Britain and apparently it was a rousing finale.

Will these concerts do much? Aren't we already there when it comes to awareness of the issues of climate change? Someone would have to be living as a hermit not to have heard that humans are messing up the earth and water and air. And the performers involved in these concerts tend toward conspicuous consumption and jet around the world for both work and play. Sorry if I sound cynical. My age is probably showing.

I do think that the Live Earth Pledge is worthwhile, if we are willing to live it out in practical, self-sacrificial ways in every day of our lives. Which is sort of like being a Christian. It isn't just an event, it's a way of life.

I PLEDGE:
1. To demand that my country join an international treaty within the next 2 years that cuts global warming pollution by 90% in developed countries and by more than half worldwide in time for the next generation to inherit a healthy earth;

2. To take personal action to help solve the climate crisis by reducing my own CO2 pollution as much as I can and offsetting the rest to become “carbon neutral;”

3. To fight for a moratorium on the construction of any new generating facility that burns coal without the capacity to safely trap and store the CO2;

4. To work for a dramatic increase in the energy efficiency of my home, workplace, school, place of worship, and means of transportation;

5. To fight for laws and policies that expand the use of renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on oil and coal;

6. To plant new trees and to join with others in preserving and protecting forests; and,

7. To buy from businesses and support leaders who share my commitment to solving the climate crisis and building a sustainable, just, and prosperous world for the 21st century.