Concerts took place in London, Shanghai, Johannesburg, Hamburg, Sydney, Tokyo, Washinton, New Jersey and Rio de Janeiro.

The day was organised by former US VicePresident Al Gore, as part of his campaign to try to "heal the planet".

Reformed group Genesis, featuring Phil Collins, were among the first acts to perform at London's Wembley Stadium, and were followed on stage by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Duran Duran and the Beastie Boys.

Organisers say the gigs reached an audience of two billion people via TV, radio and online broadcasts.

But critics have said it was hypocritical for performers who fly around the world on tours to push the message of cutting down on carbon emissions.

The Sydney event began with a traditional aboriginal welcome before Gore appeared on video screens to launch the worldwide initiative.

Australian politician and former Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett also made an appearance, saying it was up to citizens of developed nations to push for action to reduce pollution.