The Environment section covers everything to do with looking after our planet. Earth is the only home we have, and it is full of incredible places, plants and animals that all depend on each other. In this section you will find easy-to-read explanations of climate change, recycling, renewable energy, endangered species and the everyday things kids can do to help protect the natural world.
Why the environment matters
The choices people make today, from how we power our homes to what we eat, change the world for the people, plants and animals of tomorrow. Understanding the environment helps you make sense of the news and gives you ideas for how you and your family can make a real difference.
Big environmental topics
- Climate change: how human activities are warming the planet, and what countries are doing about it.
- Global warming: rising average temperatures and what they mean for weather, ice caps and sea levels.
- Greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane and others that trap heat in the atmosphere.
- Renewable energy: power from the sun, wind, water and Earth's heat. See our renewable vs non-renewable energy page.
- Recycling and waste: what happens to your bottles, paper and food scraps, and why recycling matters.
- Endangered species: the animals and plants at risk of disappearing forever.
- Deforestation: why losing forests affects everyone.
- Ocean pollution: from plastic in the sea to ocean acidification.
- Sustainability: living in a way that does not use up the planet's resources.
Things you can do
- Walk, cycle or use public transport when you can.
- Turn off lights and electronics when you are not using them.
- Use a reusable water bottle instead of buying plastic.
- Recycle paper, glass, metal and plastic at home and at school.
- Eat seasonal fruit and vegetables from your local area.
- Try meat-free meals a few times a week.
- Plant a tree, a herb pot, or a wildflower patch in your garden.
- Pick up litter when you see it (with adult supervision).
- Learn about the issues, talk about them, and help others learn too.
Famous environmental events
- Earth Day, 22 April every year. The world's biggest day of environmental action.
- World Environment Day, 5 June.
- Earth Hour, the last Saturday of March. People switch off non-essential lights for one hour.
- COP climate summits, where world leaders meet each year to agree action on climate change.
The environment section will grow over time. For now, dip into our related pages on energy, the water cycle, biomes and the atmosphere for more on the science behind our changing planet.