The Cat Empire
After reading Tim Flannery's book, The Weather Makers, Felix Riebl, vocalist with Australian band The Cat Empire, realised that global warming was an issue that required urgent action.
Felix recalls the turning point in his view on climate change. "I loved The Weather Makers, it was scary and inspiring. Tim Flannery's book made me realise we are nearing crunch time - that we have to turn it all around now and that is the biggest challenge we have ever faced."
Since then Felix and his bandmates have been making some noise to raise awareness of climate change and encourage action at Cat Empire shows across the country.
Recently Felix was among fifty people trained by Al Gore to give a version of his now famous presentation on global warming. The presentation was featured in the documentary An Inconvenient Truth, which won Best Documentary at this year's Academy Awards. His first presentation will take place at the internationally renowned Womadelaide music festival, taking place from 9-11 March 2007.
But the band is practising what they're preaching. They are in the process of doing a green audit to determine how much greenhouse gas is produced through their heavy touring with plans to reduce and offset their emissions.
They are also supporter's of WWF's Earth Hour initiative. We asked what advice they have for fellow musicians for reducing their emissions: "First, become aware of the situation, and then commit to doing something. We realise that as a musician we have the chance to reach many people - so we use that and encourage others to do the same."
"Secondly, there are practical things they can do to offset their touring emissions, like sponsoring renewable projects, opting to run their buses on biodiesel, or spreading awareness through concerts. But regardless of whether someone is a rockstar or a lawyer, everyone can do their bit."
The Cat Empire, a six-piece combo from Melbourne Australia with soul, funk and jazz at the core. With a popularity spread largely through word of mouth The Cat Empire have heated up tiny jazz clubs through to huge festivals all over the world - playing to millions of people in the process - and are currently touring internationally.
