Live Earth Concert in Brazil canceled - no, it’s not a Global Warming conspiracy
(Update: And now it’s back on. But my point remains)
Having seen a couple stories from folks complaining about the Live Earth Concert in Brazil being canceled, I figured, as someone who lives here, I’d make a couple simple points.
“Who knows what pressure the government is getting from global warming deniers to cancel this concert, so help us give them the support to change their minds and hold it instead,” wrote Carolyn Kay of Makethemaccountable.com.
While I truly believe Kay’s heart is in the right place, her common sense just isn’t. Currently, Brazilian police in Rio are busy trying to keep the city from completely exploding in violence.
Simply put, this event was to be held in Rio de Janeiro, which is as dangerous a big city as you’ll find in the Western world. If a court says they are unable to guarantee security, I believe them
As for the talking down toward Brazilians as far as global warming, keep in mind: Brazil signed Kyoto. Brazil understands global warming and tries to do what it can, and has in the recent past shown a willingness to stand up to any that may bully them.
In fact, part of the reason the concert was canceled was due to the environmental effects that 700,000 people would have at Copacabana Beach, where it was scheduled to take place. Officials said that if the event was able to change locations inland, in areas where Carnival is held annually, it could still likely take place and be easier to secure.
And to top it all off, Rio is hosting the Pan-American Games, starting July 13. Throw in the fact that Brazil’s soccer season is in full swing, and the concert has gotten extremely lukewarm response from Brazilians, anyway.
“It is far too risky putting on a concert for 700,000 people on the eve of the Pan-American Games and when the police are also involved in the frequent conflicts in the [Complexo do] Alemao [shantytown network],” said Judge Denise Tarin in a statement, referring to the recent clashes between drug traffickers and security forces in Rio.
Judge Tarin speaks the truth of a land she knows much better than most. Brazilians care about the environment, and aren’t anyone’s pushovers. But they aren’t going to put lives and their beaches on the line for a concert, regardless of what it’s for.
Brazil is not the United States. It’s a developing nation. But it’s a developing nation that has consistently shown a bigger heart in foreign affairs of late than the U.S. has. To accuse Brazil of canceling the event for nefarious reasons is both insulting to Brazilians, and shows an ignorance of the nation as a whole.
–WKW
Crossposted at Shakesville