Renewable Energy

Everything we do uses energy, but not all energy is the same. On this episode of The Children’s Hour, we learn about renewable energy—power that comes from sources we can use again and again without running out.

Find the learning guide, activities, and full episode page at https://childrenshour.org/renewable-energy

Our Kids Crew wondered: what exactly makes energy “renewable”? Experts joined us to explain. Rebecca “Puck” Stair, director of New Mexico’s State Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, told us how sunshine and wind keep giving us free power every day. Jim Desjardins, of the Renewable Energy Industries Association of New Mexico, showed how solar panels turn sunlight into electricity we use at home. Dr. Sherry Kelly, a geologist from the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and New Mexico Tech, explained geothermal energy—how heat deep underground can be used to make electricity.

We discovered the many forms of renewable energy:

Solar, which works almost everywhere and gets even better when paired with batteries.

Wind, which spins turbines day and night to make power.

Geothermal, clean energy that comes from Earth’s heat and runs all the time.

Hydroelectric, both traditional dams and new storage systems that save power for later.

Even wave and tidal energy, capturing the force of the ocean.

The Kids Crew asked tough questions: Why do fossil fuels harm our planet? What makes greenhouse gases so dangerous? Can renewable energy replace all fossil fuels before they run out? Our guests explained how carbon dioxide and methane trap heat like a greenhouse, why change takes time, and how countries like Iceland are already running fully on renewables.

We also talked about what kids and families can do—speak up, make small changes like using less plastic or conserving energy, and dream about careers in the growing renewable energy industry. Most of all, our guests reminded us that kids’ voices matter most, because the future belongs to you.

This episode was written and produced by Katie Stone, with production help from Sarah Gabriellie and Thaniel Lentz. Chad Scheer records our shows at Outpost Performance Space, and Amber Shiel writes our learning guides.

The Children’s Hour is produced by The Children’s Hour Inc., a New Mexico nonprofit organization. We are distributed by Native Voice One, the Native American Radio Network, and supported by listeners like you.

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