UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has backed Pharrell’s Live Earth campaign.
The ‘Happy’ hitmaker recently announced a series of seven concerts to all take place on June 18 2015 to gather public support for action against climate change, with the 70-year-old leader pledging his support to what has been dubbed "the largest global campaign in history" in the lead up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris this December.
In a message targeted at world leaders, he declared: "The year 2015 must be a time for global action, unsustainable development and climate change. In Paris this December, all governments must come to a meaningful, universal agreement on climate”.
The series of performances – which have been collectively named Live Earth ‘Road to Paris’ – will be broadcast worldwide through international television networks, and are also being supported by campaigner Kevin Wall and former vice president and climate change activist Al Gore.
Ban Ki-Moon continued: "We must join hands to mobilise finance, global markets and encourage bold action from world leaders. Live Earth ‘Road to Paris’ will bring us together, and amplify our voices.
"It will help us cease the opportunity of a low carbon future. We all have a role to play in building a more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world for ourselves and for our children."
More than 100 artists have been promised to perform, in New York, Paris, Beijing, South Africa, Brazil and Antarctica, although no acts have yet been announced.
The global event follows the 2007 Live Earth concerts which featured more than 150 musical acts in 11 locations, including Madonna, Foo Fighters, Metallica, The Black Eyed Peas and Shakira.
Ban-Ki Moon backs Live Earth
