Today — from London to Tokyo to Johannesburg to Shanghai to East Rutherford, N.J. — people will promise to do their share to alter the course of global warming.

At least that's the hope of former Vice President Al Gore and other promoters of Live Earth, a 24-hour, seven-continent concert designed to raise awareness on climate change — and move individuals to action. With an estimated audience of 2 billion people, the lineup of performers includes Kanye West, Madonna, John Mayer and The Police, as well as environmentalists such as Hawai'i's Jack Johnson.

The event will highlight suggestions for "green" living. And Live Earth urges folks to sign a seven-point pledge that includes a promise to make one's home more energy efficient and to choose transportation choices that reduce the carbon footprint.

Some say it will take more than a concert to make a difference on the monumental problem of climate change.

As a nation, we have the technology to become more energy-efficient and cut emissions significantly. But what's missing is urgency in Washington to move us away from cheap-and-dirty fossil fuels toward the more sensible path of cutting greenhouse gases.

Shaping public opinion to reach critical mass is one way to achieve that change. Let's get busy — it's time to make a difference on climate change, one person at a time.