Lack of access to clean water is no laughing matter, but sending a clown in to space could be a way to help the nearly one billion people around the world who do not have safe drinking water.  Guy Laliberte, founder of Cirque du Soleil, has just returned from a visit to the International Space Station where he broadcast a two hour live extravaganza aimed at calling attention to the global water crisis.

An impressively orchestrated international event, the One Drop show, featured Earth-bound appearances by Al Gore, Bono, Salma Hayek, Peter Gabriel, Shakira and many more, and was enjoyed by huge crowds at outdoor concerts in 14 cities around the world.  While some people may have criticized Laliberte’s journey and show as an extravagant waste of money, I side more with those who see his efforts as helping to raise awareness to a pressing global issue. 

You can watch the whole show here, and you can also check out Laliberte’s video blog for his Poetical Social Mission in Space.  Use the action link below to learn more about the global water crisis and find out how you can get involved with the One Drop Foundation