EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Governor Bill Richardson, L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa and Bo Derek New Headliners & Grammy Nominee Vanessa Carlton Performing for Climate Leadership Gala

WASHINGTON, May 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Earth Day Network announced today that it has an all-star cast as confirmed speakers at its May 3rd Climate Leadership Gala in Washington, DC.

The Gala is the centerpiece of the Creating Climate Wealth Summit taking place on May 3rd and 4th, and is being produced by Earth Day Network, in partnership with American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) and Carbon War Room, founded by Sir Richard Branson. It's not too late to join this star-studded affair! For tickets, visit http://climateleadershipgala.eventbrite.com.

Approximately 400 leaders and innovators from industry, finance, government, non-profits and scientific communities will gather to celebrate achievements and discuss how to forge a path to a post-carbon future. They will hear from Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, who will receive the Women and the Green Economy (WAGE®) 2011 Leadership Award by Earth Day Network for bridging the environmental movement and the political and economic spheres of influence to lay the foundation for a green economy.

"The challenges of the climate crises present a unique opportunity to rethink just about everything in the global economy and in our world," said Kathleen Rogers, Earth Day Network President. "We need visionary leaders who will seize this opportunity and build a global green economy. That's why we're so proud to be presenting the first Women and the Green Economy (WAGE®) Leadership Award to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson whose ingenuity, tenacity and leadership has moved us closer to achieving that pressing goal."

Actors Bo Derek and John Corbett will merge their star power and work on behalf of environmental causes by further inspiring this influential audience to expedite green economy growth.

Former Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico will address the realities of expediting the growth of a vibrant green economy and the creation of high-quality jobs from his unique vantage point having served as Governor and UN Ambassador.

Mayor Villaraigosa will bring anecdotes and lessons from the front lines of green economic development locally, from his work in Los Angeles.

The three-time Grammy-Award nominee singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton, will release her fourth album, Rabbits On The Run (Razor & Tie) on June 21st. Carlton, who long ago adopted a green lifestyle and is active in the environmental cause, will entertain the Gala guests. Her green initiatives include joining an expedition to Greenland with over 40 international artists, journalists and scientists to inspire action on climate change, and seeking to make New York City streets more bike-friendly.

"Performing at the Climate Leadership Gala is one way I can contribute to driving action on climate change issues, which is a passion of mine," said Vanessa Carlton. 

The gala will be at Washington, DC's EPA Atrium, Ronald Reagan Building.

SOURCE Earth Day Network