Tom Bird

Referred to as a “mass persuasion exercise,” Al Gore’s Live Earth was by far the biggest, boldest and loudest environmental public education event ever created. Over 100 musical acts, performed on seven continents, attracted two-billion viewers within 24 hours. Undeniably, it was an incredible feat. But did the celebrity admonitions, the poignant vignettes, and Al Gore’s seven-point pledge inspire us to change our lifestyles and reduce our carbon footprint? Were SUVs suddenly abandoned at the curb, laundry hoisted outside to dry and electric wine chillers traded in for more efficient models?