Free teaching resources about renewable energy and our planet

Published 11 April 2025

About this lesson

Many countries have one target in common: achieving net-zero. To reach the state where the amount of greenhouse gases released into the Earth's atmosphere are equal to the amount removed, significant changes are taking place.

Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro and geothermal power are being used globally to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources like oil and gas.

In time for Earth Day, our latest lesson helps students discuss this year’s theme, “Our power, our planet”, in the context of green energy in the news.

These teaching resources have been created with support from PA Consulting and The PA Foundation. The Economist Educational Foundation maintained full editorial control.

Skills and knowledge

Every lesson has a skill and knowledge focus. Click to see this lesson's focus and some of the questions students will answer

Problem solving
- Step 3: I complete tasks by finding information I need myself
  Did you speak clearly in your group to create a list of public platforms?
- Step 5: I explore problems by thinking about the pros and cons of possible solutions
  Did you consider the pros and cons of your renewable energy source?
- Step 7: I explore complex problems by building my understanding through research
  Did you use the information to help build your understanding about renewable
  energy sources?
Knowledge

I can explain the importance of renewable energy and understand when different renewable energy sources might be used.
Why is renewable energy important? Why might different countries choose different renewable energy sources?