There is little time left to save the planet from climate change. According to a new report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, we need to make sure that greenhouse gasses reach their peak in the next three years in order to avoid the worst effects of warming temperatures. If we don’t, temperatures will rise beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius, or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit. If that happens, the Earth will become a difficult place for people and animals to live in.
To stop this, the UN report says that governments and businesses must increase their investments in renewable energy by a factor of three to six times by the end of this decade.
Climate change is scary, but if people work together, we can push businesses and governments to achieve this goal. It’s why the theme of Earth Day 2022 (April 22) is “Invest in Our Planet.”
“We need to act (boldly), innovate (broadly), and implement (equitably). It’s going to take all of us. All in. Businesses, governments, and citizens — everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable. A partnership for the planet,” Earth Day states on its website. “And while there is still time to solve the climate crisis, time to choose BOTH a prosperous and sustainable future, and time to restore nature and build a healthy planet for our children and their children, time is short.”
What is Earth Day?
Since 1970, Earth Day has held numerous events aimed at educating the public about how we can save the planet. That year, 20 million people took action on Earth Day. Today, the annual event draws nearly a billion.
What can you do to help push governments and businesses to invest in green energy? Consider these suggestions from the Earth Day website:
- Check out 52 ways to invest in our planet
- Register for an Earth Day event
- Join or create a clean up activity
- Plant a tree
Looking to Learn About Renewable Energy?
Check out these lesson plans to gain a better understanding on the engineering behind renewable energy sources such as wind turbines and solar panels.
- Solar Power
Age Levels: 8-14 - Working with Wind Energy
Ages Levels: 8-18 - Here Comes the Sun
Ages Levels: 8-18