8 July 2007
Even before Madonna took the stage for her Live Earth performance, her critics were lambasting her for having a carbon footprint that could fill half of Wembley Stadium and a share portfolio that includes more than £1m invested in oil exploration, digging, refining and other environmentally unfriendly companies.
Yesterday, so stung was she by the criticism, that she released a statement to the Independent on Sunday pledging to take substantial steps towards meeting Live Earth's guidelines for its star performers. "Madonna's agreeing to sing at the Live Earth Event is merely one of the first steps in her commitment toward being environmentally responsible," said her New York spokeswoman. "She is educating herself and her family and has begun to make changes around her that reflect her awareness and concern for the future of the planet."
The announcement followed briefings for Madonna and other performers from the Live Earth organisers. A Live Earth "Bible" given to all the artistes calls on them to adopt a low-carbon lifestyle that they will promote to their fans. They are reminded that a private jet produces 12 times the amount of carbon pollution of a regular flight and are asked to make lifestyle changes. These range from having more energy efficient homes to reducing their air travel and stopping their chauffeurs from leaving the engine running when they are waiting for them. Other advice includes using tour buses fuelled by biodiesel and having an "eco-rider" on their contracts stipulating demands such as organic food, backstage recycling and eco-limousines.
In an unprecedented show of commitment all 150 acts have pledged to reduce their emissions and to campaign against global warming.
Madonna will have to change her lifestyle substantially, if she is to meet the Live Earth guidelines, starting with her habit of having her chauffeur drive to the gym and wait while she works out twice a week. The singer, not known for frugality, has eight homes and a fleet of cars.
Over the years the star has been caught up in a series of PR disasters - from her involvement with the Kaballah religion to criticism of her adoption of a young boy from Malawi. Last week it emerged that she has an annual carbon footprint of more than 1,000 tons - a hundred times that of the average Briton. Yesterday US media sources revealed that her Ray of Light Foundation has invested more than $1m in companies such as Alcoa - ranked in the top 10 of all-time toxic American companies - Ingersoll Rand, Weyerhaeuser and several others associated with oil.
The Live Earth guide states: "As an artist you play a pivotal role in inspiring action by demonstrating your commitment." Clearly Madonna has not got off to the best of starts. Instead of the eco-rider suggested by the organisers - the 49-year-old's dressing room demands for last night's Wembley concert reportedly focused on full-length mirrors and strawberries.
Undeterred, Live Earth organisers are offering Madonna carbon coaching to help her become greener. She is being encouraged to talk about her personal motivation and inspiration but warned that "speaking out comes with responsibilities - you must do more than what you ask others to do".
Kevin Wall, the founder and producer of Live Earth, confirmed that the stars had been coached in how to reduce their carbon footprint. "I have gone in six months from writing cheques to environmental groups to making changes in my own life, and I hope they will do the same."
A number of stars have already made changes. Singer KT Tunstall is building an eco-home and has decided not to have a car, and Metallica have funded the creation of a rainforest reserve. Others, like singer Jack Johnson, make their tours carbon-neutral and have eco-riders that ask venues to go green.
The Live Earth tactic has been attacked by the Chartered Institute of Water and Environment Management. Its director, Nick Reeves, says people "won't be lectured by rock stars with homes all over the world and who will use the excuse of carbon offsets to justify a fatuous and ridiculous lifestyle".
John Rego, Live Earth's environmental director, said: "This is not just about Madonna or any other star, its about all of us. It is not what you've done in the past, it is what we are going to do from this day forward. It is an opportunity for people to change their lifestyle and do little things that can help."
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.
http://environment.independent.co.uk/climate_change/article2745129.ece
