Critics: Live Earth Not So Green

July 9, 2007 — -- Live Earth's goal was to raise awareness and fight global warming. But with millions of fans attending nine shows across the world and generating more than 1,000 tons of garbage, the green concert has received mixed reviews.

This morning, people are wondering if a concert aimed at raising global awareness actually caused more global damage. One estimate said 100,000 trees needed to be planted to offset the carbon emissions released during the 24-hour event.Al Gore, the former vice president and primary force behind the concert, disagreed.

"We are gathered with one message and I hope that all of you will join in taking the Live Earth 7 point pledge," he said. Critics argued the estimated 220,000 miles musicians traveled to get to the shows defeated the event's purpose.Bob Geldof, the man behind the Live 8 charity concert, questioned whether the event served a purpose.

"Why is [Gore] actually organizing them? To make us aware of the greenhouse effect? Everybody's known about that problem for years," he said.

But Live Earth performers objected to being accused of not practicing what they preach.

"I think I am an environmentalist," said musician KT Tunstall. "I don't have a car. I live in a small apartment."

But perhaps the event itself shone a light on the biggest inconvenient truth -- the enormity of what people need to do to save the environment.

And one of the concert's sponsors, Chevrolet, promoted its new hybrid four-wheel drive. But skeptics have pointed out the car company also produces many gas-guzzling SUVs.