What “Our Power, Our Planet” Means This Earth Day
This year’s Earth Day theme is Our Power, Our Planet. It speaks to the power we all have to protect our planet. Each one of us can make a difference. Together, we can change the world. Your voice matters.
It also has a double meaning. The power we use to run our machines has an enormous impact on the planet–from the climate crisis to the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. Solar and wind are some of the fastest growing forms of electricity and are much better for the environment than fossil fuels. Electric vehicles, which are much cheaper to fuel and maintain than gas cars, are much more efficient and, in the first year or two of use, have offset the environmental impact of their manufacture.
Over 8 million people die globally each year from respiratory illnesses linked to the burning of fossil fuels. This alone should be motivation enough to rid ourselves of these dirty fuels. When you add the impacts that fossil fuels have on the climate crisis, the need to transition to renewable energy becomes even more urgent.
In this time of war with Iran, our dependence on power from fossil fuels has been brought into sharp focus. Global conflict is just one more reason why we need to move away from fossil fuels. Renewable energy is a lot more resilient. Once you have solar panels, wind turbines, hydropower, etc. the “fuel” is local and free because the fuel comes from nature. No one can take the sun, wind, or water away from you. With the addition of battery storage and smarter timing of our power use, renewables will soon help cover a 24 hour day. Renewable energy is better for the planet and our pocketbooks.
Earth Day is on April 22, with many events happening on Saturday April 18th. Find a local Earth Day event at EarthDay.org/earth-day-2026 and find your power.
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