Today sees the launch of the global Live Earth concert event, promoting greater awareness of global warming.

Led by former US Vice President Al Gore, the event will feature 150 artists in 7 continents, streamed live via the net.

In his social comment piece for this site, commentator and TV producer Mal Fletcher warns against 'global warming overload'.

'When so much is incessantly said and written about global warming, especially in this age of wall-to-wall, 24/7 media news,' says Mal, 'people may soon begin to experience "activism overload".'

He adds: 'We also need to beware of turning the issue of global warming into the next "Y2K".'

'When it comes to issues concerning the environment, we can’t afford to be complacent. But we shouldn’t let fear overtake our pursuit of more information, or the proper use of the often limited data we already have.'

'Fear can be manipulated. It is precisely because environmental issues are so important that we can’t allow them to be hijacked in a sensationalist fashion, which usually ends up backfiring.'

To read the full comment, click here.


Watch ‘Fuelling The Future’, part of the new series of EDGES with Mal Fletcher. Click here or visit edges.tv.