Can you imagine living without energy? It’s impossible! Our lives literally are surrounded by energy, but we don’t often stop to think about why energy is so important. We use energy to cook our food, to heat or cool our homes, for light when it’s dark, to move around and much more. Globally, people are using more and more energy. However, right now, not everyone has all the energy they need. Meanwhile, most of the energy that people use comes from burning energy sources that are damaging our planet and our health. To promote access to clean and renewable energy for all people, the period 2014–2024 has been declared the “Decade of Sustainable Energy for All”. The United Nations (UN) has been actively fighting to eradicate poverty and encourage sustainable development. In 2014, the UN created Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to stimulate action in 17 areas and transform the world. One of the goals is dedicated to sustainable energy – Goal 7 to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all (p. 9). There is enough clean renewable energy in the world for everyone; however we need to plan and work together to make sure that everyone can get energy when and where they need it.

Take this booklet and explore, play and discover – and while you’re having fun, maybe you can even come up with some clever ways to help save energy in your home! After all: YOUR actions and ideas to save energy today will help you to make a difference in the world. Energy is part of everything we do every day!