Prince Charles beats Bono and Blair at saving the world

The Live Earth event on July 7 follows on from Live8 and Live Aid when millions of people across the world will again unite in their support of a global issue, on this occasion to combat the climate change crisis.

While stars like Bono and Bob Geldof have been instrumental in filling stadiums for good causes, Prince Charles has made the most significant contribution to improving the environment according to a new report from Friends Provident, the first provider in the UK to launch an ethical fund for individual investors.

The Friends Provident Stewardship Fund was launched in 1984 – the same year as another first – the formation of Band Aid and their best selling “Do they know it’s Christmas?” To mark the fund’s 23rd anniversary, the Ethical Concerns Barometer identified a list of celebrities and asked people to select who they thought had made the most significant contribution to improving the environment.

Prince Charles came out top of the list for his organic food, followed by Bono for his fundraising, and in joint 3rd place were Anita Roddick (founder of The Bodyshop), the former Prime Minister Tony Blair and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Tom and Barbara from the 70s sitcom The Good Life made it to 6th place, beating fashion gurus Anya Hindmarch and Stella McCartney – despite their sterling efforts to introduce trendsetting eco bags and clothes.

Hollywood ‘A-Listers’ like Madonna, Leonardo Dicaprio, Cameron Diaz, George Clooney and Brad Pitt are among a growing list of stars who use their celebrity status to support ethical and green issues. Back home, nationwide events such as Glastonbury, Red Nose Day, and BBC Children in Need are backed by a range of celebrities all keen to lend a helping hand. Statement wristbands, ribbons and red noses have replaced lapel stickers and are worn with pride across the nation.

Famous people have always made the headlines when it comes to fund raising or supporting good causes, which range from the memorable scenes of the royals in “Celebrity It’s a Knockout”, to Prince Charles meeting the Spice Girls at his Party in the Park, Tony Blair’s “Am I bovvered” impersonation on Comic Relief, and Heather McCartney’s public campaigns against animal cruelty.

Julia Dreblow, socially responsible investment marketing manager at Friends Provident, said: “It’s great to see celebrities making a positive social contribution. Their efforts to highlight the importance of being socially responsible have been a major factor in influencing public opinion. The corporate world has also contributed hugely though awareness campaigns with the aid of celebrity endorsement.

“People have started to invest with care choosing companies that are socially responsible while making a profit at the same time, which is what the Stewardship Fund has been about since the launch in 1984.”