Global warming and the fate of the environment is taking center stage this summer thanks to the Live Earth concerts, which are being held all over the world on July 7. Spearheading this massive undertaking is former U.S. vice president Al Gore, who has become a pivotal figure in the American consciousness regarding the global warming crisis. The concerts are being executive produced by Kevin Wall, who also produced 2005's anti-poverty Live 8 event.

Among the artists scheduled to perform at the events are the Police, Genesis, Dave Matthews Band, Kanye West, Sheryl Crow, Linkin Park, the Foo Fighters, Melissa Etheridge, Rihanna, Madonna, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw.

In this special section, Billboard takes you behind the scenes of Live Earth's birth, fills you in on how the music industry is taking "green" issues to heart and reveals 10 artists truly making a difference with environmental causes.