This Saturday, people around the world will attend more than 5,000 parties in honor of a much idolized, much abused celeb-of-the-moment. No, it's not Princess Di. These parties aim to help the planet, by committing the guests to work against climate change. It's the first time the political house party has ever been used globally, according to the organizers, and it's reached at least 114 countries so far, including Bosnia, Sierra Leone and the Philippines. (Note the rather severe troubles facing people in those countries. So, those of you thinking of not bothering because you have your own problems to deal with? You might want to think again.) Organized by Avaaz (which I've written about in this space before) and MoveOn, the house parties will coincide with the Live Earth concert. Big fat global concert events don't always accomplish much. (Remember Live Aid? Or worse, the dreadful "Feed the World" theme song? Block that 80s flashback!) But the organizers of these house parties believe Live Earth can be different, and they're aiming to, according to Ricken Patel, executive director of Avaaz, "turn the moment into a movement." Party guests will pledge not only to change consumption habits but more importantly, to engage in political action on this issue. They'll agree to pressure their governments to sign on to a global climate treaty agreeing to a 90% reduction in emissions over the next generation. What are you doing Saturday night?

Comments (7)

1. And the next day the world wakes up, feels good and the celebs get in their G5s with ALGORE, and fly home..and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

   Posted by john maasch at 07/02/2007 @ 6:15pm

2. Remember Live Aid? Or worse, the dreadful "Feed the World" theme song? Block that 80s flashback!

   Liza, I really like that song and always have. That was a good song.

   I am going to a wedding Saturday, but it is ok. Because instead of "partying" for the planet, I take real action. I bought a hybrid car - what have you done?

   Posted by ILOVEPHYSICS at 07/02/2007 @ 7:31pm

3. I bought a hybrid car - what have you done?

   Posted by ILOVEPHYSICS 07/02/2007 @ 7:31pm

   lol - hows it running?

   i'll try to answer as best as i can for her...

   1. she researches and writes exhorting others to do the right thing...

   2. i suspect she recycles and does all that stuff...

   3. she appears to wear little or no makeup and still looks great.

   well, dont know what that last has to do with anything, but...still a good point...quality...

   regardless, was that the "we are the world" song? my memory fades...

   Posted by ibbleblibble at 07/02/2007 @ 10:32pm

4. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6263690.stm

   Scepticism' over climate claims

   The public believes the effects of global warming on the climate are not as bad as politicians and scientists claim, a poll has suggested.

   The Ipsos Mori poll of 2,032 adults - interviewed between 14 and 20 June - found 56% believed scientists were still questioning climate change.

   There was a feeling the problem was exaggerated to make money, it found......

   ---------------------------------------------------

   If we are going to worry about whatever incremental effect mankind have on warming the globe, I think it is not too early to begin to think about what can we do to stop the next Ice Age!

   From where I've lived the most, the US South, it sure seems to me HAPPY folks like warm weather! Here's the deal, you Loonies work on global warming while I leap ahead and worry about global cooling!

   Posted by Happy at 07/02/2007 @ 10:46pm

5. Posted by HAPPY 07/02/2007 @ 10:46pm | ignore this person

   here's the full article...not to long for a cut n paste...

   The public believes the effects of global warming on the climate are not as bad as politicians and scientists claim, a poll has suggested. The Ipsos Mori poll of 2,032 adults - interviewed between 14 and 20 June - found 56% believed scientists were still questioning climate change.

   There was a feeling the problem was exaggerated to make money, it found.

   The Royal Society said most climate scientists believed humans were having an "unprecedented" effect on climate.

   The survey suggested that terrorism, graffiti, crime and dog mess were all of more concern than climate change.

   People should not be misled by those that exploit the complexity of the issue, seeking to distort the science

   Sir David Read Royal Society

   Ipsos Mori's head of environmental research, Phil Downing, said the research showed there was "still a lot to do" in encouraging "low-carbon lifestyles".

   "We are alive to climate change and very few people actually reject out of hand the idea the climate is changing or that humans have had at least some part to play in this," he added.

   "However, a significant number have many doubts about exactly how serious it really is and believe it has been over hyped."

   People had been influenced by counter arguments, he said.

   Royal Society vice-president Sir David Read said: "People should not be misled by those that exploit the complexity of the issue, seeking to distort the science and deny the seriousness of the potential consequences of climate change.

   "The science very clearly points towards the need for us all - nations, businesses and individuals - to do as much as possible, as soon as possible to avoid the worst consequences of a changing climate."

   what this says is nothing more than...

   a) peeps is scared and in denial

   b) still not caught up to scientists

   it says nothing, however, about them suspecting its all a big money making scam.

   damned evil genius "scientists"! those eggheads got an angle! gonna make a killin!

   less imputing of personal proclivities might result in more accurate reflection of reality...

   Posted by ibbleblibble at 07/02/2007 @ 11:00pm

6. lol - my bad - it DOES say they think its a money making scheme!

   ah well...

   Posted by ibbleblibble at 07/02/2007 @ 11:02pm

7. Happy-If the people living in warm climates like Texas are happy then why is the crime rate so high,why is the rate of drug and alcohol rate so high,why is the teen pregnancy rate so high?

   Posted by i'm nobody at 07/03/2007 @ 12:44pm