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Cover Story - Spanish Version

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The Next Wave of Energy

Think of all the ways you used electricity today. Did you turn on a light this morning? Did you listen to the radio? Or watch TV? All these things use electric power.

Where does this power come from? In most places in the world, it comes from burning fuels such as gas, coal and oil. Big factories called power plants burn these fuels to make electricity.

Gas, coal and oil are called fossil fuels. They are formed deep in the earth from the breakdown of animals and plants that lived millions of years ago. It takes that long for fossil fuels to form.

Fossil fuels have been the world's main source of energy for more than 100 years. But burning them releases dirty gases. This is the world's main cause of pollution. Scientists have been looking for cleaner ways to light our lamps and heat our homes. They've found answers blowing in the wind and shining in sunlight.

On April 22 people take time to think about the environment in honor of Earth Day. In cities that use the sun and the wind for energy, Earth Day is every day! "These sources are incredibly important for the planet," says environmental expert Nancy Hazard. "The more communities that use them, the better."

Here Comes The Sun
Using the power of the sun can be tricky. Scientists are still trying to figure out the best ways to capture sunlight and change it into electricity.

In Japan companies are making a type of house with special roof tiles to absorb sunshine. The tiles work so well that they can produce enough electricity for an entire family! And they are not too expensive to make. About 70,000 of these homes will be built in the next few years.

Clean As A Breeze
Windmills have been used as a source of energy in countries such as the Netherlands for hundreds of years. Modern windmills have lightweight blades that can catch more wind than ever before. "Windmills are taking an old technology and making it work today," says Jim Marston of the Environmental Defense Fund.

New windmills are popping up all over the U.S., Europe and Asia. This year Denmark will get 6% of its electricity from wind power.

Our supply of fossil fuels is limited. But the energy we can get from the sun and the wind is endless! Says Nancy Hazard: "Renewable sources like the sun and the wind are the key to the future."

Next: J.J. Returns Home to The Sea