Tone down the hot air

Madonna says she wants to get serious about saving the environment. Noble goals, of course, but the Independent on Sunday details the challenges:

Do your bit, Madonna!

1 Jog to the gym

The singer is chauffeured to the gym twice a week. Her collection of fuel-guzzling cars includes a Mercedes Maybach, two Range Rovers, an Audi A8 and a Mini Cooper S.

2 Catch a scheduled flight

She regularly uses a private jet to travel. The flights she clocked up on her Confessions tour last year generated 440 tons in carbon emissions.

3 Sell a few houses

Madonna has nine homes: six in London, the 1,200- acre Ashcombe estate in Wiltshire, a flat in New York and an …£8m mansion in Beverly Hills.

Yesterday’s Live Earth concerts probably raised awareness around the world, including here in Shanghai. Watching Al Gore on Larry King Live a few nights ago was certainly convincing.… But the question remains: how committed are governments to taking the necessary steps? Without pressure from the public, little will change. Therefore, despite the required scepticism towards global pop concerts, any way to enhance discussion about the topic should be welcomed.

Text and images ©2024 Antony Loewenstein. All rights reserved.

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