Once upon a time Bradford was the wealthiest city in the country. Powered by coal, our mills became a manufacturing powerhouse and made Bradford the wool capital of the world. Although many might find that difficult to believe today, clues do remain if you look up at some of the beautiful buildings.
Back then we weren’t aware of the damage this would have on us or our planet. Just like the architecture of Bradford’s heyday, the impacts of the industrial revolution remain to this day; we’re still paying the price of burning all of that coal.
But I believe that we are also presented with an opportunity – we could once again be an energy superpower. But this time, let’s keep it clean.
The UN defines sustainable development as ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’
Our ancestors hadn’t heard the word ‘sustainability’, so they can be forgiven for meeting their own needs while compromising the ability of us, the future generations, to meet ours. But now we know better, so we can do better.
Earth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet
As we celebrate the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, the theme for 2025, ‘Our Power, Our Planet’ resonates more deeply than ever. Since it was first held 1970, Earth Day has been a global call to action; urging us to protect and safeguard our planet. This year, the focus is on championing renewable energy sources that hold the key to a sustainable future.
Embracing New Technology
Today, Bradford is embracing new technology and sustainable practices to transform its future. Here at Bradford College, preparations are now underway for our connection to Bradford Energy Network; a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint, promoting sustainable energy use and making the campus a model for sustainable heating.
Bradford Energy Network aims to decarbonise heating across the city through a district heat network. This will significantly reduce carbon emissions and other forms of air pollution, saving over 29,780 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy comes from sources that are naturally replenished and never run out. Unlike fossil fuels, which can be depleted, renewable energy harnesses the power of nature in a way that benefits both the planet and its inhabitants.
Solar energy, for instance, taps into the abundant power of the sun, converting sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells.
Wind energy captures the kinetic energy of wind currents, transforming it into electrical power via turbines.
Hydroelectric power utilises the flow of water to generate electricity, while geothermal energy exploits the heat from beneath the Earth’s surface.
Tidal energy, derived from the movement of tides, offers yet another promising avenue for clean energy.
The shift towards renewable energy sources is not only crucial for mitigating climate change, but these are often more sustainable and less harmful to the environment, enabling us to preserve ecosystems and biodiversity.
2025 and Beyond
As part of the 2025 City of Culture celebrations, we are showcasing our vibrant community and innovative initiatives here in Bradford. Once an industrial powerhouse, we are now transforming into a leader in clean energy, with the district heat network project showcasing Bradford as a model of sustainability and innovation.
At Bradford College, our learners are at the heart of our vision for a sustainable future. They are gaining the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the ‘green jobs’ sector, which is crucial for driving the transition to renewable energy and sustainable practices. Their education not only prepares them for future careers, but also empowers them to make a positive impact on our planet.
What if we carry on as we are?
Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources exceeds what the Earth can regenerate in that year. In simpler terms, it’s the day when we start living beyond our ecological means; using more resources than the planet is able to continue providing in the long term.
In 2024 Earth Overshoot Day was 1st August, but this year it will fall on 29th July. The date creeps earlier each year…
This is a stark reminder that highlights the urgent need to shift towards sustainable practices and renewable energy sources. If we take urgent action, we can push the date of Earth Overshoot Day back again, further into the year; ensuring that we live within our planet’s means.
Our Power to Take Action
The theme “Our Power, Our Planet” is a call to action for each of us to recognise the power we hold to protect our planet. At Bradford College, we believe in the collective power of our community to make a difference. By working together, we can transform lives and create a sustainable future for all.
This Earth Day, let’s commit to championing renewable energy in our daily lives. Every small action, whether it’s from switching to a renewable energy tariff, reducing energy consumption by turning off lights and electronics when not in use, to learning about renewable sources like wind and solar power, contributes to a larger movement towards sustainability. Every action counts. By embracing “Our Power, Our Planet,” we can collectively drive the transition to a sustainable energy future.
What can you do? Renewable Energy Petition
Conclusion
Earth Day 2025 is a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect our planet. As we celebrate the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” let’s recognise the immense potential of renewable energy to transform our world. Together, we can harness the power of nature to create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for generations to come.
Happy Earth Day!
QUIZ – What renewable energy are you?
Article written by Chelsie Naylor
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