# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Renewable Energy Sources - Types of Energy for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A circular economy is a new way of thinking about how we use resources. In a linear economy, we take resources, make things, and then throw them away. In a circular economy, however, we try to use resources in a way that does not harm the environment.
-

According to the United Nations Development Program, the circular economy "aims to minimize waste and promote a sustainable use of natural resources, through smarter product design, longer use, recycling and more, as well as regenerate nature."

There are three main parts to it:

1. Energy and resources: We design products so that they can be used again and again. This means that we do not waste resources and can keep using them longer.

2. Following nature's cycles and designs: We try to copy nature's cycles to use resources in a way that does not harm the environment.

3. Renewable energy: We try to use renewable energy so that we do not use up all of the planet's resources.

The Benefits of the Circular Economy

1. Reducing waste: Products are designed to be reused, repaired, and recycled. This means that less waste is generated, and fewer resources are used to produce new products.

2. Conserving resources: A circular economy aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible. By reusing and recycling materials, we can conserve resources and reduce our reliance on finite resources.

3. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: The circular approach can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of energy needed to produce new products. By reusing and recycling materials, we can also reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, which can produce methane - a potent greenhouse gas.

4. Creating new economic opportunities: This approach can create new economic opportunities, such as repair and refurbishment services, recycling facilities, and new markets for recycled materials.

5. Creating jobs: It can also create new jobs in areas such as product design, repair and refurbishment, and recycling.

6. Improving resource security: A circular economy can improve resource security by reducing our reliance on imported resources and increasing our use of renewable energy.

7. Improving environmental quality: By reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions, a circular approach can help improve environmental quality, such as air and water quality.

Overall, a circular approach can help create a more sustainable and resilient future by reducing waste, conserving resources, and creating economic opportunities.

How Can We Encourage People to Adopt a Circular Economy Mindset?

Circular Economy's Limitations

There are several challenges and obstacles that can make it difficult to implement "circular practices". Here are a few examples:

1. Economic incentives: In a linear economy, it can be cheaper to produce new products than to repair or reuse existing ones. This means that there may be fewer economic incentives for businesses to adopt circular economy practices, especially if they are not required by law or demanded by consumers.

2. Lack of infrastructure: Circular economy practices require different types of infrastructure than a linear economy. For example, a circular economy may require more recycling facilities, repair shops, and waste collection systems. Without this infrastructure in place, it can be difficult to implement circular economy practices.

3. Consumer behaviour: Consumers may not always be willing to adopt circular economy practices. For example, they may not want to repair old products or may not be willing to pay more for products made from recycled materials.

4. Limited availability of recycled materials: The availability of recycled materials can be limited, especially if there is not enough demand for them. This can make it difficult for businesses to source recycled materials for their products.

5. Lack of standardisation: There may be a lack of standardisation in the circular approach. For example, different countries may have different regulations and standards for recycling, making it difficult for businesses to operate across borders.

6. Technical challenges: There may be technical challenges associated with "circular practices". For example, it may be difficult to design products that can be easily repaired or disassembled, or it may be difficult to recycle certain types of materials.

Despite these challenges, there are many opportunities to overcome them and move towards a more circular economy. This can include innovation in product design, collaboration between businesses and governments, and education and awareness-raising among consumers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Circular Economy Explained to Kids - Earth.Org Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A circular economy is a new way of thinking about how we use resources, where people try to use resources in a way that does not harm the environment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Renewable vs. nonrenewable resources | MightyOwl Science | 4th Grade

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Climate Justice According to a Kid | Climate Change for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Non-renewable Energy Sources - Types of Energy for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Currently, humans produce WAY too much waste. We make products, consume them and then chuck them away, littering our planet in the process. But what if there was a different way to do things?

LINEAR ECONOMY

In the natural world, there isn't any rubbish or landfill. Energy is provided by the Sun, one species' waste is another's food and when things die, their nutrients return to the soil - in a circle of life. Unfortunately, humans do things in a more linear way...

When we want the latest phone or computer, we tend to bin the old one. When our dishwasher breaks, we buy a brand-new one. But this wasteful approach, known as the linear economy isn't working! We're running out of resources to make new things with, and we're producing too much toxic waste.

That's why we need to move to a circular economy, inspired by the natural world - where everything has value and nothing is wasted - like the diagram below illustrates.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Click to view full-size image
EXAMPLE!

In a circular economy, smart phones would be designed so they could be repaired more easily. And when they stopped working they would be simple to take apart so that the precious metals and materials inside them could be reused in another product, or returned safely to nature.

TRUE OR FALSE?

INNOVATION IN ACTION!

MUSHROOM PACKAGING

REPAIR CAFES

NO-SO-FAST FASHION

SECONDHAND SHOPPING MALL

FREECYCLE

ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS

In a circular economy, it's important to think about how we make things and the materials we use to make them. That's where Covestro comes in. They're inventing new materials made from waste carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air that reduce the amount of fossil fuel you need to make things like foam mattresses or textiles!

CHEMIST CHAT!
Hi Persefoni! You're a scientist at a company called Covestro. First up, can you explain to our readers what your job involves?
Hi Nat Geo KiDS, I work as part of a team that's looking for new ways to develop environmentally friendly plastic materials. Our main idea is to use carbon dioxide (CO2) in our production processes. This was our dream for many years and it's finally became reality!
Why is using CO2 such a good thing?
Well, to produce plastic materials you normally need crude oil, which is a natural resource. But with our new technology we use CO2 instead - which is normally considered a waste product. This reduces the amount of crude oil used in the production by up to 20%. So we preserve natural resources and turn something that was considered as waste into something useful.
Great news! So what do you make from it?
The new material that we've invented is called cardyon®. One of the many things it is used for is flexible foams, which are used in mattresses. It can also be used to make an adhesive which is in elastic sports floors.
Are there other things it may be used for in the future?
We're currently investigating using it for elastic textile fibres, which could be used to make colourful socks or medical textiles, like bandages.
So how does this all relate to the circular economy?
cardyon® contributes to the circular economy by taking what would have been an industrial waste gas, and turning it into a new and useful raw material. By doing this, we are recycling, reusing and remanufacturing to reduce input and waste!

COOL COVESTRO COMP

We want you to design a poster that celebrates the circular economy and shows step-by-step how to upcycle something that might otherwise be thrown away!

The best entry will win and incredible £250 gift card to spend at the toy store The Entertainer. There is absolutely loads to choose from, including games and puzzles you can play again and again, educational and electronic toys, arts and crafts, and much more!
This competition is run in partnership with Covestro. Find out all about plastic here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
All about the circular economy - National Geographic Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Currently, humans produce WAY too much waste. We make products, consume them and then chuck them away, littering our planet in the process. But what if there was a different way to do things? In the natural world, there isn't any rubbish or landfill.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Operation Sustainability - a story on the world´s most important customer

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Drilling: A High Stakes Game | PBS LearningMedia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Who decides where an oil or gas well is drilled? There are many players involved. In this video, we look at all the stakeholders in the process and address how decisions are made about drilling in and around communities. Don't miss the excellent lesson plan that pairs with this video, Boomtown Game (Grades 6-12).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Renewable Energy 101: How Does Biomass Energy Work?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Let’s make a change: sustainability! - National Geographic Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn all about sustainability and why moving towards a circular economy will protect our planet for generations to come!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The first plastic material, Bakelite, was invented in 1907. It made its way into everything you can imagine: telephones, chess pieces, Chanel jewelry, and electric guitars.

But it was in 1950 that our thirst for plastic truly began. In just 65 years, plastic production soared almost 200 times, resulting in about 6,300 million metric tons of waste today.

How does the world deal with this much debris? The truth is, a lot of plastic waste-both trash and recycled materials-is often shipped overseas to become someone else's problem.

The Top Exporters and Importers of Plastic Waste

In honor of International Plastic Bag-Free day, today's graphic uses data from The Guardian to uncover where the world's plastic waste comes from, and who receives the bulk of these flows.

Top Exporters, Jan-Nov 2018

Top Importers, Jan-Nov 2018

🇺🇸 United States

961,563 tons

🇲🇾 Malaysia

913,165 tons

🇯🇵 Japan

891,719 tons

🇹🇭 Thailand

471,724 tons

🇩🇪 Germany

733,756 tons

🇻🇳 Vietnam

443,615 tons

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

548,256 tons

🇭🇰 Hong Kong

398,261 tons

The U.S. could fill up 68,000 shipping containers with its annual plastic waste exports. Put another way, 6,000 blue whales would weigh less than this nearly one million tons of waste exports.

Given the amount of plastic which ends up in our oceans, this comparison is just cause for alarm. But one interesting thing to note is that overall totals have halved since 2016:

Top 21 total exports (Jan-Nov 2016): 11,342,439 tons

Top 21 total exports (Jan-Nov 2018): 5,828,257 tons

Percentage change (2016 to 2018): -49%

The world didn't suddenly stop producing plastic waste overnight. So what caused the decline?

China Cuts Ties with International Plastic Imports

Over recent years, the trajectory of plastic exports has mimicked the movement of plastic waste into China, including the steep plummet that starts in 2018. After being the world's dumping ground for decades, China enacted a new policy, dubbed "National Sword", to ban foreign recyclables. The ban, which includes plastics, has left the world scrambling to find other outlets for its waste.

In response, top exporters quickly turned to other countries in Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand.

That didn't completely stop plastic waste from seeping through, though. China previously imported 600,000 tons of plastic monthly, but since the policy only restricted 24 types of solid waste, 30,000 tons per month still entered the country post-ban, primarily from these countries:

🇮🇩 Indonesia: 7,000 tons per month

🇲🇾 Malaysia: 6,000 tons per month

🇺🇸 United States: 5,500 tons per month

🇯🇵 Japan: 4,000 tons per month

Many countries bearing the load of the world's garbage are planning to follow in China's footsteps and issue embargoes of their own. What does that mean for the future?

Recycle and Reuse; But Above All, Reduce

The immense amounts of plastic waste sent overseas include recycled and recyclable materials. That's because most countries don't have the means to manage their recycling properly, contrary to public belief. What is being done to mitigate waste in the future?

1. Improve domestic recycling
Waste Management is the largest recycling company in the United States. In 2018, it put $110 million towards building more plastic recycling infrastructure.
Meanwhile, tech giant Amazoninvested $10 million in a fund that creates recycling infrastructure and services in different cities.

2. Reduce single-use plastics
Recycling on its own may not be enough, which is why countries are thinking bigger to cut down on "throwaway" culture.
The European Union passed a directive to ban disposable plastics and polystyrene "clamshell" containers, among other items, by 2021. More recently, California passed an ambitious bill to phase out single-use plastics by 2030.

This unique map graphic uses the Great Lakes region as a point of comparison for the top 25 largest lakes in the world.

In many parts of the world, you don't have to look very far to find a lake.

According to satellite data, there are roughly 100 million lakes larger than one hectare (2.47 acres) to be found globally. The largest lakes, which rival the size of entire nations, are more of a rarity.

One might expect the world's largest lakes to be very alike, but from depth to saline content, their properties can be quite different. As well, the ranking of the world's largest lakes is far from static, as human activity can turn a massive body of water into a desert within a single generation.

Today's graphic - created using the fantastic online tool, Slap It On A Map! - uses the Great Lakes region as a point of comparison for the largest 25 lakes, by area. This is particularly useful in comparing the scale of lakes that are located in disparate parts of the globe.

The Greatest Lakes

The largest lake in the world by a long shot is the Caspian Sea - a name that hints at a past when it was contiguous with the ocean around 11 million years ago. This massive saline lake, which is nearly the same size as Japan, borders five countries: Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Iran. An estimated 48 billion barrels of oil lay beneath the surface of the basin.

The five Great Lakes, which run along the Canada-U.S. border, form one of the largest collections of fresh water on Earth. This interconnected series of lakes represents around 20% of the world's fresh water and the region supports over 100 million people, roughly equal to one-third of the Canada-U.S. population.

Amazingly, a single lake holds as much fresh water as all the Great Lakes combined - Lake Baikal. This rift lake in Siberia has a maximum depth of 5,371ft (1,637m). For comparison, the largest of the Great Lakes (Lake Superior) is only 25% as deep, with a maximum depth of 1,333ft (406m). Lake Baikal is unique in a number of other ways too. It is the world's oldest, coldest lake, and around 80% of its animal species are endemic (not found anywhere else).

Here's a full run-down of the top 25 lakes by area:

Rank

Lake Name

Surface Area

Type

Countries on shoreline

1

Caspian Sea

143,000 sq mi
(371,000km²)

Saline

🇰🇿 Kazakhstan
🇷🇺 Russia
🇹🇲 Turkmenistan
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan
🇮🇷 Iran

3

Victoria

26,590 sq mi
(68,870km²)

Freshwater

🇺🇬 Uganda
🇰🇪 Kenya
🇹🇿 Tanzania

6

Tanganyika

12,600 sq mi
(32,600km²)

Freshwater

🇧🇮 Burundi
🇹🇿 Tanzania
🇿🇲 Zambia
🇨🇩 D.R.C.

9

Malawi

11,400 sq mi
(29,500km²)

Freshwater

🇲🇼 Malawi
🇲🇿 Mozambique
🇹🇿 Tanzania

The Great Lakes World Tour

For people living in Canada and the U.S., the shape and relative size of the Great Lakes system may be quite familiar. This makes the Great Lakes a fantastic point of comparison to help put the size of other world locations into perspective. To this end, we begin our Great Lakes World Tour.

First, the image below shows how the Great Lakes system would look if it was located in India.

Distortions on commonly used maps can downplay the size of India compared to more northern nations. This view of the Great Lakes can help put India's true size into perspective.

Next, we look at the Great Lakes overlaid within Central Europe.

In the context of Europe, the lakes are so large that they extend from the Netherlands over to Slovakia. Lake Superior's surface area of 31,700 mi ² (82,000 km ²), is similar in size to Austria. Here's are the five Great Lakes and European countries of equivalent size:

Great Lakes

Surface Area

Equivalent Country

Area

Lastly, here is a look at the Great Lakes in Southern Australia. Australia is the world's 6th largest country, so the Great Lakes only occupy one corner of its land mass.

Australia's lack of glacial history means that there are few permanent freshwater lakes in the country. Many of the country's largest lakes only fill up during periods of excessive rainfall.

Shrinking out of the rankings

Not far from the world's largest lake, straddling the border between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, lay the sand dunes of the Aralkum Desert. In the not so distant past, this harsh environment was actually the bed of one of the largest lakes in the world - the Aral Sea.

For reasons both climatic and anthropogenic, the Aral Sea began receding in the 1960s. This dramatic change in surface area took the Aral Sea from the fourth largest lake on Earth to not even ranking in the top 50. Researchers note that the size of the lake has fluctuated a lot over history, but through the lens of modern history these recent changes happened rapidly, leaving local economies devastated and former shoreside towns landlocked.

Lake Chad, in Saharan Africa, and Lake Urmia, in Iran, both face similar challenges, shrinking dramatically in recent decades.

How we work to reverse damage and avoid ecosystem collapse in vulnerable lakes will have a big influence on how the top 25 list may look in future years.

Our planet supports nearly 8.7 million species. We break down the total composition of the living world in terms of its biomass.

Our planet supports approximately 8.7 million species, of which over a quarter live in water.

But humans can have a hard time comprehending numbers this big, so it can be difficult to really appreciate the breadth of this incredible diversity of life on Earth.

In order to fully grasp this scale, we draw from research by Bar-On et al. to break down the total composition of the living world, in terms of its biomass, and where we fit into this picture.

Why Carbon?

A "carbon-based life form" might sound like something out of science fiction, but that's what we and all other living things are.

Carbon is used in complex molecules and compounds-making it an essential part of our biology. That's why biomass, or the mass of organisms, is typically measured in terms of carbon makeup.

In our visualization, one cube represents 1 million metric tons of carbon, and every thousand of these cubes is equal to 1 Gigaton (Gt C).

Here's how the numbers stack up in terms of biomass of life on Earth:

Taxon

Mass (Gt C)

% of total

Total

545.8

100.0%

Plants make up the overwhelming majority of biomass on Earth. There are 320,000 species of plants, and their vital photosynthetic processes keep entire ecosystems from falling apart.

Fungi is the third most abundant type of life-and although 148,000 species of fungi have been identified by scientists, it's estimated there may be millions more.

Animals: A Drop in the Biomass Ocean

Although animals make up only 0.47% of all biomass, there are many sub-categories within them that are worth exploring further.

Taxon

Mass (Gt C)

% of Animal Biomass

Animals (Total)

2.589

100.0%

Arthropods

Arthropods are the largest group of invertebrates, and include up to 10 million species across insects, arachnids, and crustaceans.

Chordates

The category of chordates includes wild mammals, wild birds, livestock, humans, and fish. Across 65,000 living species in total, nearly half are bony fish like piranhas, salmon, or seahorses.

Surprisingly, humans contribute a relatively small mass compared to the rest of the Animal Kingdom. People make up only 0.01% of all the biomass on the planet.

Annelids, Mollusks, Cnidarians, and Nematodes

Annelids are segmented worms like earthworms or leeches, with over 22,000 living species on this planet. After arthropods, mollusks are the second-largest group of invertebrates with over 85,000 living species. Of these, 80% are snails and slugs.

Cnidarians are a taxon of aquatic invertebrates covering 11,000 species across various marine environments. These include jellyfish, sea anemone, and even corals.

Nematodes are commonly referred to as roundworms. These sturdy critters have successfully adapted to virtually every kind of ecosystem, from polar regions to oceanic trenches. They've even survived traveling into space and back.

The Microscopic Rest

Beyond these animals, plants, and fungi, there are an estimated trillion species of microbes invisible to the naked eye-and we've probably only discovered 0.001% of them so far.

Bacteria

Bacteria were one of the first life forms to appear on Earth, and classified as prokaryotes (nucleus-less). Today, they're the second-largest composition of biomass behind plants. Perhaps this is because these organisms can be found living literally everywhere-from your gut to deep in the Earth's crust.

Researchers at the University of Georgia estimate that there are 5 nonillion bacteria on the planet-that's a five with 30 zeros after it.

Protists and Archaea

Protists are mostly unicellular, but are more complex than bacteria as they contain a nucleus. They're also essential components of the food chain.

Archaea are single-celled microorganisms that are similar to bacteria but differ in compositions. They thrive in extreme environments too, from high temperatures above 100°C (212°F) in geysers to extremely saline, acidic, or alkaline conditions.

Viruses

Viruses are the most fascinating category of biomass. They have been described as "organisms at the edge of life," as they are not technically living things. They're much smaller than bacteria-however, as the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, their microscopic effects cannot be understated.

The Earth's Biomass, Under Threat

Human activities are having an ongoing impact on Earth's biomass.

For example, we've lost significant forest cover in the past decades, to make room for agricultural land use and livestock production. One result of this is that biodiversity in virtually every region is on the decline.

Will we be able to reverse this trajectory and preserve the diversity of all the biomass on Earth, before it's too late?
Editor's note: This visualization was inspired by the work of Javier Zarracina for Vox from a few years ago. Our aim with the above piece was to recognize that while great communication needs no reinvention, it can be enhanced and reimagined to increase editorial impact and help spread knowledge to an even greater share of the population.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mapping the World's Plastic Waste Flows: Top Importers and Exporters

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The first plastic material, Bakelite, was invented in 1907. It made its way into everything you can imagine: telephones, chess pieces, Chanel jewelry, and electric guitars. But it was in 1950 that our thirst for plastic truly began. In just 65 years, plastic production soared almost 200 times, resulting in about 6,300 million metric tons of waste today.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy | Science Lesson For Kids | Grades 3-5

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Do you know the difference between renewable vs. nonrenewable energy? Learn about the energy sources on earth in our fun video for kids in 3rd-5th grade!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Most of us live a comfortable life because we have almost everything we want. But that isn't always going to be true. In future, we might not be able to have the same things because the raw materials and resources could run out. To make sure that future generations enjoy everything that we enjoy today, we need something called "sustainability" in most areas of our lives. Sustainability is one of the puzzles that scientists and governments are working together to solve today for everybody's future.

What is Sustainability?

Imagine owning a moneybox for your allowance that is always full. No matter how much of your allowance you take out, it keeps refilling. As much as we would like it to do so, the world doesn't work like that. Money does run out of we keep spending. Many of the things we use every day have a limit on the amount we can use or take out. It might take hundreds or thousands of years for some of them to completely run out, but these "resources" will disappear completely in the future. Some are running out now or causing problems because there isn't enough for everyone or they are getting harder to find.

Sustainability looks at ways of making sure that these resources last a very long time or even forever - such as the money box that will keep refilling. Politicians, scientists, businesses, and other important people and groups around the world are looking at ways of making this happen so it doesn't disrupt anyone's lives. The United Nations, a group of people representing all the countries around the world says that sustainability means "meeting the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." In other words, "we shouldn't use up everything today that people of tomorrow will also need."

Why is Sustainability Important?

The resources we use today are important to many areas of our lives including work, transport, schools, government, technology and many more. These will also be important to people living 10, 50 or 100 years in the future. The problem is, they might run out by then.

If we are to all continue to get along and live happily without running out of the things that we use today, and if people are going to continue to be able to work in some of our most important areas that use and make things, we need new sustainable sources. We will need newly-invented materials or natural resources that we can quickly and easily replace - sources that are sustainable and will keep refilling no matter how much we use, how much we take out and how many more people are going to want to use them.

Six Examples of Sustainability Problems in the Real World

Ancient civilizations were built on using raw materials such as rock, water, oil and gas. But as time has gone on, some of these raw materials have become rarer or harder to find. These are not sustainable. However, we are slowly replacing some of these older raw materials with some that can easily be replaced or will never run out. Sustainability affects many areas of our lives. Here are some of the most important.

1. Energy

At the moment, our electricity mostly relies on oil which is a fossil fuel. Other types of fossil fuel include coal and natural gas. They are all plant and animal remains from millions of years ago; none are sustainable which means they will run out eventually. But over the last 50 years, new technologies have come around to create electricity and other power sources sustainably. These include:

Some based on the weather such as solar power (which use the heat and light of the sun) and wind turbines (which turn the wind) to create electricity,

Harnessing the movements of the planet such as hydroelectricity (which uses dams to control the flow of water) tidal power (which uses the changes in ocean tides to generate energy) and geothermal power (which takes heat from beneath the surface)

So-called biomass and biofuels which uses plants such as certain types of grass harvested and processed to create a type of gasoline or diesel that is renewable and doesn't rely on taking oil out of the ground

2. Agriculture & Deforestation

Some crops are not good for the environment. For example, you may have heard recently about a campaign to reduce how much palm oil the world uses, to create sustainable palm oil farming, or to stop using it altogether. Palm oil farming leads to cutting down rainforests to make way for more farming land and this is not sustainable - we need the rainforests for many reasons. In this area, sustainability means that we ensure local landscapes are not damaged by farming and that we plant enough trees in other places to replace those we have cut down. Also, in some areas of the world, cutting down too many trees means the soil isn't quite so good at growing new crops and we need to chop down more trees.

3. Plastics

Another hot topic at the moment is plastic. Did you know plastics we use are made from oil? Yes, the same oil that we put in our cars and burn to produce electricity for our homes and businesses. Oil will run out, but this is not the only problem. The news has recently been filled with a lot of information about the damage that plastics are doing to the environment all over the world - particularly in our oceans - harming the lifeforms that live there. They are swallowing plastic which poisons them and gets caught up in it. These plastics take thousands of years to break down. Scientists are trying to develop new plastics that are safe for the environment and break down much quicker.

4. Waste

Since the year 2000, countries all over the world have tried to do something about waste. How much stuff does your family throw away? How much is recycled? The world has improved how much trash we send to recycling but more needs to be done. Waste that cannot be recycled will go into landfill sites. Trying to change what we make plastic from is just one of the problems of waste. We need to use as much packaging and other things we throw away at the moment recyclable, so it can be reused as it is or melted down to make new things from the same waste. Landfill creates problems such as greenhouse gas emissions (which lead to more global warming) and reduced land space for other uses. Also, it is becoming expensive to maintain areas that are just used to dump stuff we don't want anymore.

5. Overpopulation

Some of the problems listed above are problems because we are using more of everything because there are more people on the planet. The old resources and raw materials can't cope anymore. What was once only a small problem because they were limited to fewer people is now a much bigger problem. We are cutting down more forests to make way for more farming land and larger populations are using more water - to drink, to put on crops and to wash, and water sources such as lakes are drying up. We're also burning more fossil fuels to create more energy for more people. As the population just keeps getting bigger, we need new solutions to the strain that we are putting on our resources.

6. Biodiversity

This word means the balance between all lifeforms in an area or on the planet. It might not be obvious why this is a problem for sustainability at first until we realize just how much we depend on other plants and animals in our lives. There is currently a threat to bee populations all over the world and scientists are trying to understand why so many are dying off. It's not likely to happen, but if all the bees die then our food supply will be affected. Bees do something called "pollination" which helps plants reproduce. If bees go, the amount of food we have from natural plant sources will be much lower. The fish in our oceans is also an ongoing problem; when we fish too much, that can cause problems too.

About the Author

Douglas Lober Chief Product Specialist

Doug Lober is Co-Founder and Chief Product Specialist for ReuseThisBag.com. Lober is a passionate environmentalist with roots in the Southern California surf culture. Over the last 15 years, Lober has launched and supported a number of environmental initiatives around the land, sea, and air. Today, he continues to provide and support the use of eco-friendly promotional products for small, medium, and Fortune 500 companies. You can learn more about his extensive background in the industry on Linkedin.com, Quora.com, Instagram.com, Twitter and Alignable.com

View all posts by Douglas Lober

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Kids Guide to Understanding Sustainability

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Most of us live a comfortable life because we have almost everything we want. But that isn't always going to be true. In future, we might not be able to have the same things because the raw materials and resources could run out.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Story of Plastic: Where Your Recycled Plastic Ends Up

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy is made from resources that nature will replace, like wind, water and sunshine.

Renewable energy is also called "clean energy" or "green power" because it doesn't pollute the air or the water.

Why don't we use renewable energy all the time?

Unlike natural gas and coal, we can't store up wind and sunshine to use when we need to make more electricity. If the wind doesn't blow or the sun hides behind clouds, there sometimes isn't enough power for everyone. Another reason we use fossil fuels, like coal and natural gas, is because they're cheaper. It costs more money to make electricity from wind or sun.

Where does renewable energy come from?

Renewable energy sources are all around us. It is in the wind that blows, the shining sun, the flowing water and even the growing grass. We interact with sources of renewable energy every day. Let's dig a little deeper and see what that's all about.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn about all the different types of renewable energy - wind energy, solar energy, biomass, hydro, and more!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What does it mean to be green? "Green" is more than just a color. It also means taking special steps to protect the environment - the water, the land, and the air we breathe. Why green? Plants are green, and without them the Earth wouldn't be such a lovely home for us human beings.

Every day, people make choices that affect the amount of trash and pollution that gets produced in our world. What can you do? A whole lot, actually. Here's a four-step guide to being green:

1. Reduce the amount of stuff you use and throw away.

2. Reuse stuff when you can.

3. Recycle cans, bottles, paper, books, and even toys.

4. Enjoy the Earth - walk in the woods, plant a tree, and eat some of the delicious food it produces.

Reduce It!

When you use less of something, you do a good thing for the Earth. For instance, a shorter shower means you used less water and less fuel since your house uses fuel to run the water heater that warmed up the water.

Here's a list of other stuff you can reduce:

Turn off lights you're not using. Better yet, encourage your parents to switch to energy efficient light bulbs, like compact fluorescent light (CFL) or light emitting diodes (LED). They last longer and use less energy. The CFLs should be recycled and do need to be disposed of properly, though, so make sure your mom or dad helps if one breaks.

Turn off the water when you're brushing your teeth.

When you can, walk or ride your bike instead of riding in a car. You'll use less gas - and get some exercise!

Unplug the chargers for your phone and MP3 player when you're not using them.

Put your computer to "sleep" instead of leaving it on with the screensaver running.

Page 1

Reuse It!

Sometimes people call ours a "throwaway society." That means that we're a little too willing to throw away old stuff and buy new stuff. Many times, even if you no longer need something, someone else just might. For instance, if your baby brother outgrows his plastic basketball hoop, why not give it to another family who has a little kid? That's one less plastic basketball set that they need to buy. It's also one less large plastic toy that needs to be produced, packaged, and shipped to the toy store.

Here are some other ways to reuse the stuff you have:

Choose reusable travel cups instead of disposable paper or plastic cups.

Take your own bags - preferably reusable ones - when you go to the grocery store.

Drink tap water instead of buying bottled water. If you don't like how your tap water tastes, a low-cost filtration system could make a difference. Get a reusable water bottle so you can take it with you.

Organize a swap among your friends. What can you swap? Books, toys, even clothes. It's a way for everyone to get something new without spending any money and without throwing a bunch of stuff away. Set aside some items for your swap when you're cleaning your room!

Take paper from your computer printouts and use the other side for more computer printing or just to draw or doodle on.

Recycle It!

Recycling has never been easier. Many communities will pick it up right in front of your house and some towns even require it. Tell your mom or dad you want to become "Chief of Recycling" for your household. That means you'll organize the recyclable items in bins, remember to put them on the curb on recycling day, and help remind others which items can be rinsed and recycled.

By separating plastic bottles, cans, bottles, and more, you're reducing the amount of trash that goes to the landfill. What's a landfill? A big mountain of trash, where all the trash trucks go to dump their loads. Recycled goods go instead to a recycling center, where they can be crushed, broken down, and later turned into new cans, bottles, and paper.

What else can be recycled? Sometimes water can be. For instance, some communities take used water - like from the washing machine and shower - and clean it up so it's safe to use for watering the grass and flowers.

Enjoy It!

It's true that trash and pollution are problems, but the Earth remains a huge and glorious place that's ready for you to explore. You can start locally by visiting the naturally beautiful spots in your city and state. Go for a hike, visit local nature centers and gardens, climb up mountains, and explore lazy creeks.

Experience the outdoors in all sorts of weather - from a sunny day at the beach or lake to a wintry adventure when it snows. And if you're planning a family vacation, suggest a trip to a national treasure, such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone Park, or Chincoteague Island to roam with the wild ponies.

But before you travel the globe, take a look at your own backyard. Is there a spot where you could plant a tree or put in a little fruit or vegetable garden? If so, get out there and get your hands dirty. Then you can watch with pride as your tree takes root and your garden plants grow from sprigs to big plants full of ripe, red tomatoes or tiny, juicy blueberries. Who knew being green would taste so good?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Be a Green Kid (for Kids) - Nemours KidsHealth

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You might wonder how you can help protect the Earth. Find out in this article for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Natural Resources of the Earth - Eco Friendly Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One of the easiest ways of being eco-friendly - and encouraging our children to be - is by using the Earth’s natural resources in our daily lives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Is Your Plastic Actually Being Recycled? | NYT Opinion

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Renewables are made from natural resources on our planet, like wind, water, and sunlight. They are incredibly valuable energy sources, also known as "clean energy" as they do not pollute the environment. -
Renewables come from our planet's unlimited sources of energy, like wind, sunlight, waves, and the earth's internal heat. Here are 5 main sources of renewable energy and why they are so important to us.

5 Main Sources of Renewable Energy
Solar Energy
This is energy produced directly from sunlight through smart solar panels placed outside of buildings facing the sun. Solar can be used to heat up buildings, water, and be turned into electricity.
Wind Energy
The blades of large windmills are moved by the power of the wind. These blades spin a turbine inside a generator to produce electricity. There are over 341,000 wind turbines on the planet spread across 83 countries.
Hydroelectric Power
Water from dams and rivers can be used to spin powerful turbines and generate what we call hydroelectricity. Several provinces in Canada produce over 90% of their energy through hydropower and the country is one of the largest global consumers of this energy source along with China and Brazil.
Geothermal Energy
Huge pumps extract the heat and steam from below the Earth - mainly from volcanoes and geysers - and use these to heat up homes and buildings as well as to generate electricity. About 25% of the total electricity of Iceland is produced by geothermal energy, thanks to the country's several hot springs.
Biomass Energy
This is the oldest source of renewable energy on the planet. With biomass, we refer to all organic matter that has stored energy through the process of photosynthesis. Think wood, crops, seaweed, and animal wastes. This energy is converted to electricity and heat. In the United States, the majority of biomass energy comes from wood.

Fun Facts About Renewable Energy

In 2020, around 29% of the global energy came from renewable technologies.

Some countries like Albania, Paraguay, and Iceland obtain all of their energy from renewable sources. Norway relies nearly 97% of its electricity from hydropower.

Some renewable energy sources can have environmental impacts, but they are a less polluting and more environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels like coal and natural gas.

Solar is the most abundant energy source on Earth.

An hour and a half of sunlight that reaches the planet's surface can generate enough power to meet all of humanity's energy consumption for an entire year .

One wind turbine can produce enough electricity to light up almost 600 homes .

Wind turbines are very complicated machines that can have as many as 8,000 different components.

Why Is Renewable Energy so Important?

Renewables are an essential source of energy for the future and one of the world's most important allies in the race to stop global warming and reach net-zero emissions. They are much cleaner sources and have a very minimal environmental footprint than fossil fuels like coal and natural gas. Another good thing about renewables is that they are endless: while resources of coal and gas are finite, the wind will never stop blowing and the sun will never stop shining! This is amazing news, as we can rely on these energy sources for a very long time.
Check This Out Next: What is Nuclear Energy?

Are you a school and want to collaborate with Earth.Org?

contact us

Are you a student working on sustainable projects or learning about climate change and the environment?

Submit your story for a chance to be featured on Kids.Earth.Org

send us your news

About the Author

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is Renewable Energy? - Earth.Org Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Renewable energy is an incredibly valuable energy source. Also known as "clean energy", they do not pollute the environment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What's the deal with climate change?

Have you ever wondered why our planet sometimes feels like it's playing a game of hot and cold? Let's embark on an exciting journey to uncover the mysteries of climate change, a big word for a big problem.

Earth is like a giant puzzle of land, water, and air. But there's a twist - the puzzle is changing, and we must learn how and why.

So, imagine our Earth is like a big, cosy blanket that keeps us warm. This blanket is made up of something called "the atmosphere," which is like an invisible shield around our planet. It's supposed to trap just the right amount of heat from the sun to keep us comfy, not too hot and cold.

Climate change is a big deal because it affects everything around us. It's not just about feeling too hot or too cold. It's about all the animals, plants, and people who call this planet home. Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have contributed to this increase in temperature. As a result, we are witnessing various impacts on our environment, wildlife, and even our own lives.

Here are some key statistics to help you understand the severity of climate change

1. The Earth's average surface temperature has increased by one °C (1.8°F) in the last 150 years, with over half of the rise occurring since the mid-1970s.

2. In the past 20 years, many of the warmest years on record have occurred.

3. Sea levels have risen by 28.42 cm since 1900.

4. 29,568,781,522 tons of CO2 have been emitted into the atmosphere because of burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.

5. The Earth is now about 1.1°C (2°F) warmer than it was in the 1800s, and global temperatures are projected to rise by 2.7°C (4.8°F) by the end of the year 2100.

6. 80% of the world's energy comes from burning fossil fuels.

7. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, release greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming.

Causes of climate change

Climate change is a long-term shift in the Earth's weather patterns and temperatures. While the climate has permanently naturally changed, human activities have accelerated the process, causing the planet to warm faster than ever before.

These human activities are causing the Earth's temperature to rise, leading to more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns. As temperatures increase, it becomes more challenging for people, animals, and plants to adapt to their changing environment.

Understanding the causes of climate change is the first step in taking action to protect our planet. Let's explore some of the key factors contributing to climate change.

Burning Fossil Fuels

One of the biggest causes of climate change is burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, accounting for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. When we burn these fuels to power our cars, create electricity, or heat our homes, we release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide (CO2), trap heat from the sun and cause our planet to warm up.

Deforestation

Cutting down forests is also a significant contributor to climate change. Forests act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it in trees and soil. When we cut down forests for agriculture, timber, or urban development, we release the stored carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, adding to the greenhouse effect. Deforestation also reduces the Earth's ability to absorb CO2, further exacerbating the problem.

Farming

Agriculture also plays a significant role in climate change. Farming activities, such as raising livestock and using fertilisers, release methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases are much more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, making them potent contributors to global warming.

Industrial processes

Many industrial processes, such as cement production and chemical manufacturing, release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Landfills and factories release harmful stuff into the air, making the atmosphere less clean. These emissions contribute to the overall increase in global temperatures and the changing climate.

Waste and Pollution

Solid waste generates greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane and nitrous oxide, through the anaerobic decay of waste in landfills and the emission of nitrous oxide from solid waste combustion facilities. Additionally, waste sector methane emissions stem from the breakdown of organic waste in anaerobic conditions, including food and yard waste, paper, cardboard, and wood.

Methane is more than 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a climate pollutant in the short term. Plastics have a significant carbon footprint, emitting 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycle.

Did you know? The world makes enough plastic yearly to cover the entire planet in plastic wrap!

Effects of climate change

Climate change has numerous effects on the environment and human health.

Hotter temperatures: Global average surface temperature has increased by at least 1.1°C (1.9°F), leading to more frequent high-temperature extremes, such as heatwaves.

Extreme weather events: Climate change is causing more frequent and severe storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires.

Sea level rise: Global mean sea level has risen about 21-24 centimetres (8-9 inches) since 1880, with an accelerated rate of 3.6 millimetres (0.14 inches) per year.

Melting ice and glaciers: Climate change is causing the loss of sea ice, melting glaciers, and ice sheets, which contributes to sea level rise and affects ecosystems

Shifts in plant and animal geographic ranges: As temperatures rise and ecosystems change, plant and animal species shift, leading to biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruptions.

Impacts on human health: Climate change has worsened air and water quality, increased the spread of certain diseases, and caused additional deaths due to malnutrition, malaria, and other health issues.

Food and water insecurity: Climate change has led to food and water shortages, resulting in malnutrition and increased risk of infectious diseases.

The most significant effects of climate change include:

What can you do?

Save Energy: One of the easiest ways to help is by saving energy daily. Turn off lights when you're not using them, unplug devices when they're not in use, and close doors and windows to keep heat from escaping.

Plant trees and grow your food: Did you know that plants and trees can help remove greenhouse gases from the air? Planting a tree or growing vegetables and fruits helps our planet breathe easier. Plus, gardening is a fun and healthy activity for the whole family!

Green transportation: Encouraging public transportation, cycling, walking, and electric vehicles can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: We can all do our part to reduce waste by reusing and recycling items whenever possible. For example, instead of buying new things, try fixing broken items or repurposing them for a different use. And remember to recycle paper, plastic, glass, and other materials to help keep our planet clean and green.

Learn and share: Knowledge is power! Learn as much as you can about climate change and share what you've learned with your friends and family. Understanding, discussing and encouraging others to adopt eco-friendly habits can inspire others to take action and make a difference.

Support green initiatives: Encourage your school, community, and local businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices. This could include recycling programs, energy-efficient lighting, or renewable energy sources like solar panels.

Be a climate change ambassador: You can be a positive role model for others by showing them how easy and fun it is to make eco-friendly choices. Please share your knowledge and experiences with your friends, classmates, and family members, and encourage them to join you in taking action against climate change.

Get involved in environmental projects: Join local environmental clubs or organisations focusing on climate change solutions. Participate in activities like tree planting, clean-up events, or educational workshops to help make a difference in your community.

Some solutions can help mitigate its effects and contribute to a more sustainable future. Here are some critical climate change solutions:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Empowering Kids to Fight Climate Change | GreenMatch.co.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover the world of climate change for kids! Learn about its causes, effects, and ways to help our planet with fun and engaging resources.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Imagine a Chair | An Animated Explanation of Circular Economy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Explaining the Circular Economy and How Society Can Re-think Progress | Animated Video Essay

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Greenwashing: When Companies Aren’t as Sustainable as They Claim | WSJ

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As the UK strives to reach its target of deriving 10% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2010 renewable and reusable energy is a hot topic from the classroom to parliament. However, it's all very well trying to get our kids' to be more environmentally aware and to think about protecting the Earth's resources - but how do we explain it in laymen's terms that youngsters can really get to grips with?

Well for starters, equip youngsters with a sound knowledge of what is renewable and what isn't! Non-renewable sources of energy - in other words, when it's gone, it's gone! Energy sources like oil and coal take so long to form - millions of years in fact - that they cannot be replaced.

Renewable sources are what we should all be aiming for - think, for example water, tides, wind and solar energy! But it doesn't end there - there are some resources that can be both renewable and non-renewable, for example wood - if you chop trees down and plant some new ones, then you have a renewable source and biomass (fuel made from plant matter).

Types of Non-Renewable Fuels

So what are fossil fuels? Basically they are the gasses which form from dead animals and plants. Around 80% of the world's energy comes from fossil fuel, however, the burning of fossil fuels is the biggest source of carbon dioxide emissions in the world today and therefore, should be avoided and renewable options sourced. Carbon dioxide emissions include one of the greenhouse gasses which contributes to global warming - and it is interesting to note that global temperatures have risen by over 0.7C in the last 300 years!

Types of Fossil Fuel

Coal comes from fossilised plants and is mined from underground. It is burned and can be used for heating and electricity.

Oil comes from fossilised animals. It is a liquid and is found under the sea or the land, where it is pumped up to the surface. It is used for heating, lighting, and for powering engines.

Natural Gas

Methane occurs naturally under the sea and land. It is pumped out and can then be used for heating.

Nuclear fuel comes from radioactive minerals that are mined. When these minerals are split or joined together, the energy they produce can be used to generate electricity.

Renewable Sources of Energy

Solar Power Solar Power is the usable energy you can get from the sun or light.

Wind power is usually generated via wind turbines and converts wind energy into electricity.

Tidal Energy

Tidal Energy is power obtained from the movement in water caused by tides.

Wave power comes from the energy created by waves in the ocean, and can be used for electricity and pumping purposes.

Geothermal Power

Geothermal power comes from the heat found under the earth in volcanic regions.

Hydroelectric Power

Hydroelectric power is sourced from water driving a water turbine and generator.

Educating our children about renewable and non-renewable sources is one of the most valuable lessons we can give them. It is vital that the future generations are clued up about the earth's dwindling resources and what they can do to help to prevent further deterioration.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As the UK strives to reach its target of deriving 10% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2010 renewable and reusable energy is a hot topic from the classroom to parliament. However, it's all very well trying to get our kids'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Recycling is one of the most important things we can do for the environment today. When we recycle, we turn old or waste products into something new. If we start doing this on a large scale, we will eventually reduce the amount of products we have to produce, hence using fewer resources from the Earth. For example, recycling paper can help us cut down fewer trees. It also saves energy, as it usually takes less power to manufacture products with recycled materials than to make new ones with raw materials. To celebrate Global Recycling Day, which every year falls on March 18, we prepared a recycling guide for kids.
-

Many types of materials can be recycled, from plastic to metal. However, not everything that is made of these materials is recyclable. For example, straws cannot be recycled, and neither can receipts! Read on for an easy guide to recycling paper, metal, and glass. For a guide to recycling plastic, click .

Recycling for Kids

Tips for Recycling Paper

Paper is made from trees, which are being cut down faster than they can grow. Fortunately, many types of paper, from cardboard to magazines, can be ground back down to a pulp and remade into paper. However, paper cannot be recycled infinitely. In general, it can only be recycled 5-7 times before it loses quality. As such, it is important to reuse and reduce!

When recycling paper, there are three things to take note of: 1) Any paper that is stained with food or oil should be thrown away, such as pizza boxes and milk cartons.

2) Some types of paper may have a plastic or wax coating, and therefore cannot be recycled. These include items like receipts, paper cups, paper plates, sticky notes, and wrapping paper.

3) Shredded paper should not be placed in the recycling bin as they can jam the equipment in recycling centres. However, some specialised recyclers in your city may have special equipment to handle the small shreds, and may thus collect shredded paper for recycling. The best thing you can do is check with your local recycling facility.

Tips for Recycling Metal

Metals are made of valuable minerals that we take from the earth. Because there is only a limited amount of resources on our planet, it is important to recycle metal. Luckily, almost all types of metals can be recycled.

1) Many recycling bins accept drink cans and food tins. Just be sure to wash them before throwing them away.

2) Many big household items can also be recycled, from bicycles and furniture to pots and pans. However, this can only be done at a junkyard or a specialised centre. If they are still in good condition, it might be a better idea to donate them.

3) Most electronics such as computers, phones, and chargers can be recycled. However, they are usually taken to a metal recycling centre, or an electronics store that has a recycling programme. Same goes for big household electrical items, such as fridges or washing machine.

4) Batteries are usually placed in a separate recycling bin. Depending on where you live, there may be a battery collection bin in places like electrical stores, supermarkets, or libraries. Keep an eye out for them!

Tips for Recycling Glass

Glass is made from raw materials such as sand and limestone. It is one of the most readily recyclable materials we have. M any glass items can be melted down endlessly and turned into new glass without losing quality. Doing so will help to save energy and reduce land and air pollution.

1) Glass bottles and jars can be recycled, as long as they're clean! It is also a good idea to reuse them for other purposes, such as vases or to store stationery.

2) Don't put broken glass into the recycling bin! Broken glass isn't recyclable, because it tends to be dangerous or require special treatment.

3) Some types of glass cannot be recycled with your everyday jars and bottles. These items are made with different types of chemicals, which may contaminate the recycled glass. Such items include windows, mirrors, eye glasses, and lightbulbs. Some authorised centres might however accept these items.
Check this out next to learn how to recycle plastics: A Guide to Plastic Recycling for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Kid-Friendly Guide to Recycling - Earth.Org Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Recycling is one of the most important things we can do for the environment today. Read on for a kid-friendly guide to recycling metal, glass, and paper.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why Gender Matters for Effective Adaptation to Climate Change

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Wind has been used to create energy for thousands of years. It can power boats and turn windmills. For much of the 20th century, however, wind power was replaced by coal, gas and oil. These days, wind is making a comeback. It is increasingly being used to produce electricity.

In modern times, wind energy is produced with wind turbines. A wind turbine is a tall, tubelike tower with blades rotating at the top. When the wind turns the blades, the blades turn a generator. The generator then creates electricity.

Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs) are the most common type of wind turbine. Most have three large blades. These spin parallel to their towers. The generator is located in the tower.

Most HAWTs are about 61 to 91 meters (200 to 300 feet) tall. Their blades rotate 10 to 20 times a minute.

A HAWT's enormous blades usually face the wind. A wind sensor first detects which way the wind is blowing. It then turns the turbine to face the wind.

Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) have blades that rotate in complete circles around their tower. The generator is located near the ground. VAWTs do not have to face the wind to create electricity. They can be much smaller than HAWTs. Often, they are installed on the roofs of buildings.

If winds are too strong, turbines can be damaged. Therefore, every turbine has a controller. The controller turns the turbine on when winds are blowing between 13 and 88 kilometers per hour (8 and 55 miles an hour). If the winds become stronger than that, it turns the turbine off.

To generate a large amount of electricity, wind turbines are often placed in large groups. These clusters are called wind farms. They are made up of hundreds of turbines. The turbines can be spaced out over hundreds of acres.

Wind farms are often located on farmland. In the United States, many are found on farmland in Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas.

Wind farms can also be located offshore. These turbines use the stronger winds that develop above the ocean.

Wind is not steady or predictable. Both its speed and direction change often. So far, this has prevented wind power from becoming the main source of energy. However, it can be an excellent addition to traditional power sources.
Windmills And The Evolution Of Wind Energy
Windmills are the ancestor of wind turbines. They have been around for almost 2,000 years.

Windmills work similarly to wind turbines. In fact, the only difference between windmills and wind turbines is what they are used for. Wind turbines generate electricity. Windmills were built to grind grain and pump water.

In windmills, a drive shaft connects the blades to two large wheels or millstones. These wheels are on the floor of the windmill. Wind rotates the blades. The blades then rotate the drive shaft, and the drive shaft rotates the millstones. Grain is poured into the hollow, rotating millstone. It is then crushed into flour as the wheels grind together.

Water-pumping windmills operate similarly. These are known as wind pumps.

Wind pumps have as many as 12 rotating blades. Rotation of these blades causes a long rod to move up and down. The motion of the rod raises and lowers a cylinder. During the down stroke, the cylinder fills with water. During the up stroke, the water is raised to a pipe or well. Today, wind pumps are still being used all around the world.

Wind turbines that generated electricity were first developed in the late 1800s. They were used in both Europe and North America.

However, wind energy fell out of favor in the 20th century. Fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas were seen as more reliable sources of electricity and energy. Such fuels create a great deal of pollution, though. By the 1970s, many people had become interested in finding less-polluting sources of energy. The world's first wind farm was set up during this time. It was built in New Hampshire.

Today, there are wind farms in many parts of the world. The largest one in the United States is the Alta Wind Energy Center in Kern County, California. It has more than 300 turbines.
Advantages
There are many advantages to using the wind's energy to create electricity.

Wind cannot be used up.

Wind is a clean source of energy. Turbines do not pollute the air.

Wind energy is cheap! In the United States, it costs between 4 cents and 6 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Wind is found all over the planet. Turbines can be put up almost everywhere.

Challenges
Wind energy also has many problems:

Wind energy is cheap to produce once a wind farm has been built. However, the cost to build a wind farm is quite high.

Wind farms need acres of land. In hilly areas, trees might need to be cut. Many kinds of birds and animals depend on trees.

Wind turbines can kill bats and birds.

Offshore wind farms can damage the ocean. The seafloor has to be drilled into to keep turbines in place.

Some people who live near wind farms complain about the noise. Others say the turbines are ugly.

Locations that produce great amounts of wind energy are often far away from cities. Power lines have to be built to move the electricity long distances. This adds to the cost.

Of course, the biggest problem with wind energy is the wind itself. When the wind is not blowing, electricity cannot be generated.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Putting Wind to Work | National Geographic Society

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Wind has been used to create energy for thousands of years. It can power boats and turn windmills. For much of the 20th century, however, wind power was replaced by coal, gas and oil. These days, wind is making a comeback. It is increasingly being used to produce electricity.