SARA TRUEDSON
Staff Writer
Al Gore announced on Feb. 15 that a series of worldwide concerts to focus on the threat of climate change with an impressive lineup of more than 100 performers, pleasant to all ears, ranging from The Red Hot Chili Peppers to Snoop Dogg to Faith Hill to Bon Jovi. Music has become one of the most powerful tools in reaching the public. The merging of politics and music has turned mainstream in hopes that the significance of this issue will be acted upon.
Whether we like it or not, the celebrity power and the money backing them have a profound affect on our society. There’s nothing wrong with a politician turned activist. Al Gore is teaming up with them — trying to make a difference. Rarely do we see 100-plus artists for one cause, giving us the message that this is something we should listen and follow along. If our government is not as proactive as it should be, other resources need to be found.
According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), 11 of the past 12 years rank among the 12 warmest years in the instrumental record of global surface temperature, global average sea level rose at an average rate of 1.8 mm per year (1961 to 2003), and widespread changes in extreme temperatures have been observed over the last 50 years. Cold days, cold nights and frost have become less frequent, while hot days, hot nights and heat waves have become more frequent.
Scientists have concluded that certain human activities cause global warming by adding large amounts of heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere. Every time we drive a car, use electricity from coal-fired power plants, or heat our homes with oil or natural gas, we release carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases into the air.
Less driving and energy use can be difficult. However, gradually encouraging using renewable energy sources should be seriously considered.
The question at hand is whether we care enough about the generations to come — our children, and grandchildren’s well-being to do something about this matter. Global warming is important now and will only become more important. The environment reflects who we are. By not being proactive and taking care of the earth, can become destructive on many levels.
“We have to get the message of urgency and hope out,” Gore said, who was nominated for the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for his extensive efforts to draw the world’s attention to the dangers of global warming. This issue is not about politics anymore for Al Gore, who has stated that he will not be running for President in 2008. It is more about activism and making a much-needed difference.
“Live Earth”, the 24-hour event, held July 7, will take place in Shanghai, China; Johannesburg, South Africa; Sydney, Australia; London and cities to be announced in Japan, Brazil and the United States. Proceeds will go to a foundation to battle climate change led by the Alliance for Climate Protection, which is chaired by Gore. Promoters said the concerts could reach 2 billion people through attendance and worldwide broadcasts.
Not only is this event addressing a major concern, but it is also bringing a sense fellowship to our world’s people — as we all do have one thing in common — we live underneath the same sky. Sometimes it takes a worldwide emergency to bring people together. With hope, the event will not only encourage environmental awareness, but also hearten peace.
02-22-2007