An exciting initiative is about to be launched in Austin that is aimed at changing the world. Planet Make-Over plans to combine entertainment and the Internet to motivate citizens worldwide to help reverse global warming.
KVUE's Olga Campos reports
07/18/2008
"July 20th, 2008 -- the day mankind took its first real step to resolve global warning," states the announcer's voice on a video produced by the Planet Make-Over Project. The logo shows the Earth over the international symbol for recycling.
Planet Make-Over is a unique worldwide initiative that will be launched on Sunday here in Austin. Organizers specifically selected the same date as the first American landing on the moon.
It's a unique effort by the same team members who produced the "Road to Austin" concert. The major free concert was a gift from Freescale and attracted thousands of people.
Now technology and music are being combined again this time to make-over the earth.
"I think we lure them in with entertainment and also the trust that people have in artists and musicians," said Ken Kushnick, Planet Earth Make-Over organizer.
When it comes to entertainers like Willie Nelson and Billy Bob Thornton, no one knows how to line up talent better than Stephen Bruton.
"Everyone we asked said, 'Yeah. We want to do it," he said.
But it's much more than music. Planet Earth Make-Over is building its own social web portal.
"Here's the twist: Our component to invite the world to join is a 60 minute internet t-v show that's celebrity driven," said Gary Fortin.
The trio says the time to talk about reversing global warming is over. They are confident citizens worldwide are ready to act.
"Planet Make-Over will work because we're asking everyone to become a part and do a little bit and by adding millions and millions of people doing a little bit. That's how the correction that we need can happen," Kushnick said.
Sunday's launch is a fundraiser with more events planned for January 20, an hour after the next president is sworn into office, and another free star-studded concert is planned for April in Austin.
