Mumbai to host 'Live Earth 2008'

India will host the next edition of the 'Live Earth 2008' series of music concerts, aimed at raising awareness for climate changes in the world, on December 7, its organisers announced in Mumbai.

The mega event, to be held in Andheri sports complex in suburban Mumbai will feature megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek, Aishwarya and other world celebrities who will draw attention to the global climate crisis.

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The 'Live Earth' initiative taken by founder Kevin Wall and former US Vice President Al Gore has found support in nobel prize winning environmentalist Rajendra Pauchari and director Shekhar Kapoor besides Bachchan.

Beneficiaries of Live Earth India will be -- The Energy and Research Institute (TERI) 'Light a Billion lives' campaign headed by nobel laureate Rajendra Pauchari and 'Climate project India' an organisation, which is dedicated to promoting awareness and finding solutions to current climate situations while alleviating poverty.

Speaking about his association with TERI, Bachchan announced his support for the event at a press conference here on Thursday along with filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who will be the creative director of the Live Earth India show.

Kevin Wall, who was present at the press confernce, said that Live Earth's mission was to cultivate grassroots and
worldwide awareness and solutions for environmental issues.

"Awareness activitates change and important issues deserve a global platform. Hence, the stage for 'Live Earth' India will host some of the biggest stars from India to the US and beyond," he said.

The world has a lot to learn from traditional Indian culture about sustainability," he added.

 Addressing the press confernce live via satellite, Gore said India should lead the world committing to produce all of its new energy in electricity sector from clean and renewable sources within the next ten years.

Gore said, "India will be among the leading powers of global economy in the coming decades. As a democracy that is
looked up to by many nations, especially for its commitment to inclusive growth for its diverse people, India has a major
role to play in leadership by example for the climate crisis and sustainable development."

Sabbas Joseph of Wizcraft, the event management company which will co-produce the concert with Kevin Wall, said, all major filmstars, sports personalities, captains of trade and industry have been approached for participation in the event.

"The response has been good," Sabbas added.

The first live earth concert was held on July 7, 2007 and certain guideliness were developed at that time with respect to impact of live events including recycling, good and beverages, packaging, transportation, energy, water usage and the event site itself.

From power generation at the concert to garbage generated by concert goers, 'Live Earth' will seek to design out waste and continue to be the model for future live entertainment, while bringing new sustainable event production techniques to India, Sabbas said.

Text: PTI