Live8 - was it worth it? ∞
I was shocked to read on the BBC news website, that an average of three kilos of litter per person were dropped at the Live 8 concert in London’s Hyde Park [source]. That, to me at least, re-inforces my suspicions that most people at the concerts were not there to “Make Poverty History”, they were there to be at the biggest ‘free’ gig ever. I also think that applies to some (most?) of the performers, it was easy to jump on the bandwagon, and it was hardly going to hurt their record sales was it?!
I’m not totally putting down the efforts of Bob Geldof and the thousands of people, who I’m sure have worked tirelessly to bring about this series of concerts. It has certainly raised the profile of the burden of debt on Africa.
Will the consumer-fest that was Live8 really make a difference? Sadly, I think not. Decisions will be made at the G8 summit in Gleneagles, and those leaders may decide to give debt relief to some African countries, but is that enough?
Free trade, and reform of our ‘first world’ policies such as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), are needed to make a real difference. But that would bring pain to us: higher prices in shops, lower profits for shareholders… and that is not what the G8 leaders want. Is it what we want? Ideally, yes! But then again, my life is good, why should I change?
An interesting article in the Scotsman that sparked this post: Nice concert. But can it really save millions from dying? — Gethin Chamberlain.