We need imagination

Pearson Science 7: 3.2 Energy Sources

Imagine a world fuelled by clean energy. The options are endless!

We humans have amazing imaginations and we've come up with some really awesome inventions (who doesn't love an iPad?).

Our next challenge is to come up with a supply of energy that doesn't produce as much carbon dioxide and methane, or greenhouse gases.

Evidence suggest greenhouse gases will cause our climate to change. You can read more about climate change here.

Let's stretch our imaginations to see how we can approach energy in a new way.

What other sources of energy can we use?

How can we use energy more efficiently?

How can we save energy?

How can we spread the word about saving energy, that reallly makes a difference?

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We need you!

Some of the world's most incredible inventions were created by kids! Philo Farnsworth was 14 when he first came up with the idea of a working television in 1920. His invention went on to change the world.

We need your energy ideas to help come up with the big solutions. Get your thinking cap on and film your brainwaves.

To help you get started with some inspiration, have a look at the videos on the right. We have been talking to some experts about how you can be involved and why kids like you are absolutely so important to our clean energy future. Hear what they have to say!

BBC's Richard Black: Carbon dioxide over the past 800,000 years

CO<sub>2</sub> is the highest in 800,000 years - watch the animation <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15887129" target="_blank">here</a>

800,000 years of change

You may have heard about carbon emissions in the news…

The Earth's climate does change naturally over time, but the evidence tells us that humans, using fuels that emit greenhouse gases, are causing the Earth to heat up.

It is happening more quickly and more dramatically than it would otherwise. This animation from the BBC explains.

The amazing soccket ball watch the video <a href="http://youtu.be/u5gqoYkL8To"target="_blank">here</a>

<strong>Power the World: The Story of Imani</strong>
This is a video about what it means to live in without energy access and how we can light the way out of energy poverty with sustainable solutions.

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The world is out of balance!

ONE person in FIVE on the planet does not have access to modern electricity.

Three billion people - almost half of the world's population - rely on energy sources that are often in short supply and can cause health problems.

This limits education and business opportunities - and keeps people poor.

In wealthy countries like Australia, we are very dependent on fossil fuel based energy, which is producing greenhouse gases, and there is a LOT of waste and excess.

Getting the balance right…

This year the United Nations has declared the International Year for Sustainable Energy for All.

The aim is to fast-track the development of clean sources of energy for people in developing countries and to encourage developed countries to do more about 2012Sustainable Energy For All Copy transitioning to clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emission.