Welcome back to Beyond’s Geography Blog! This entry focuses on the importance of Earth Day 2023 and explores how it aligns with the environmental work of King Charles III.

We’ll be looking at the environmental issues highlighted by King Charles III such as pollution, organic farming, supporting various projects, disposal of plastic and net-zero carbon. 

Learn about the different topics King Charles has brought to light such as: the importance of conservation, accountability for pollution and exploitation of natural resources. 

Get ready to learn about how he has increased the conversation around conservation and pollution, and how he has promoted the use of organic and sustainable farming methods wherever possible. 

“we must be thinking seven generations ahead really to have any chance to be sure that we leave a better world behind us” – King Charles III 

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What is Earth Day? 

Earth Day (April 22nd), is a global event that not only raises awareness about environmental issues but also encourages people and communities to take action to protect our planet. 

Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 and it came about due to the growing environmental crisis and the need for action. The day focuses on the problems we face such as climate change, pollution, deforestation and the growing number of endangered species.

Earth Day is now celebrated every year worldwide with millions of people participating in green activities such as tree planting, beach cleanups and educational events that promote sustainability and environmental awareness.

Click here for Earth Day 2023 Starter Discussion Cards.

King Charles’ Environmental Work 

One major figure that has been actively involved in environmental conservation for many years is King Charles III. He has been a very vocal advocate for environmental causes and has made changes to his everyday life to achieve sustainability and to help protect the planet. 

His environmental work has led to him being recognised as a global leader in the fight against climate change. King Charles III promotes the use of renewable energy and has invested in several renewable energy projects that promise to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and fight the growing impacts of climate change. 

His work also includes wildlife conservation, protecting endangered species and their habitats, and promoting sustainable practices in both fisheries and agriculture. 

Climate Action 

King Charles III has consistently petitioned for governments and businesses to adopt new measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move towards fully sustainable practices. 

He has led climate conferences asking for international cooperation to combat climate change; raise awareness about the urgent need to address climate change and provide environmental education. 

Meeting with heads of state, chief executive officers of major world banks, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international agencies and governments, King Charles III has shared his views with many powerful and influential audiences over the years. He has supported various educational initiatives that promote environmentally focused lessons and encourage students to take action to protect the environment.

Check out our detailed King Charles III and the Environment Fact Sheet here.

Environmental Issues Highlighted by King Charles III 

King Charles III has been interested in environmental issues from as early as 1970 and he has publicly discussed the importance of conservation and accountability for pollution and exploitation of natural resources. 

He has also helped establish strict environmental standards for any business wanting a Royal Warrant for their product or service.

Here are some of the Environmental Issues Highlighted by King Charles III:

Pollution

Increasing the conversation on the global political agenda about conservation and pollution. 

Topics include:

• oil pollution at sea destroying beaches and seabird populations;
• chemical pollution from industrial waste in rivers;
• air pollution from industry and transport contaminating the atmosphere;
• plastic waste build-ups in landfill sites and oceans.

Organic Farming

Promoting the use of organic and sustainable farming methods wherever possible, including:

• reed bed sewers at Highgrove;
• composting systems;
• biomass and pump-fed heating;
• solar panel installation at Highgrove and Clarence House, amongst other sites;
• hedgerow planting to increase biodiversity;
• promotion of bee-friendly planting to improve biodiversity;
• working with experts to develop education initiatives promoting healthy soil, livestock and produce.

Supporting Projects

Supporting many environmental organisations and projects, including initiatives that:

• raise awareness of overfishing;
• promote awareness of tropical deforestation;
• work with global leaders and the World Economic Forum to promote sustainable business practices and a net-zero carbon economy;
• organise beach clean-ups and plastic-free education in schools.

Plastic

Discussions on the global production, use and disposal of plastic, including:

• reducing the use of plastic in the design of products;
• purchasing fewer plastic-based products as consumers;
• developing more environmentally-friendly plastic alternatives;
• developing plastics that biodegrade at a quicker rate.

Net-Zero Carbon

King Charles III states that he has committed to working towards a net-zero carbon target in his own life and work. King Charles III described how he pays for an independent company to analyse his carbon footprint yearly. 

The company’s goal is to identify ways to reduce his carbon emissions. King Charles III says he lowers his carbon footprint by buying credits from sustainable projects to offset any carbon emissions from his daily life and travel.

Click here for Beyond’s King Charles III and the Environment Discussion Ideas.

King Charles III has also spoken of reducing his carbon footprint by:

• using rainwater and grey-water systems wherever possible, for example, to flush some of the toilets at Highgrove;
• creating reed beds to filter wastewater (not sewage) at Highgrove and Llwynywermod;
• using cleaning products that don’t pollute waterways when they are washed away;
• there is a heavy focus on recycling across royal estates;
• using food waste for compost, fertiliser and renewable energy;
• making use of recycled paper and water-based ink used for correspondence;
• the royal estates do not use disposable plates, cups or cutlery for hosting events;
• the royal train uses recycled cooking oil as fuel;
• one of The King’s cars uses bio-ethanol made from waste wine for fuel another is electric;
• solar panels are installed across many royal buildings, including Highgrove, Home Farm and Clarence House;
• biomass boilers replace fossil fuels with sustainably-managed wood at Birkhall, Highgrove and Llwynywermod; 
• ground-source and air-source heat pumps at Highgrove;
• energy-efficient boilers to reduce gas consumption at Clarence House; 
• electricity use is closely monitored through smart meters;
• electricity and gas are purchased from renewable sources where possible;
• energy saving lighting options, including LED lights. 

Click here to explore Beyond’s King Charles III and the Environment Reading Comprehension.

As we celebrate Earth Day, it is important to acknowledge the significant contributions of King Charles III in the field of environmental conservation. 

His dedication and commitment to sustainability and conservation has inspired many people across the world. His environmental work also serves as a brilliant reminder to others that every effort should be made to fight climate change. 

So celebrate Earth Day 2023 by learning more about the ways you can help fight climate change and about how you can make small changes to your everyday life that will impact future generations.  

We hope you found this blog post on Celebrating Earth Day 2023 useful. You can find more helpful Geography revision resources here!