Our Power, Our Planet

By Scott Bacon

Earth Day 2025: “Our Power, Our Planet” – harnessing renewable energy to build a healthy, sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for all.

For 55 years, Earth Day has led the world in raising awareness and taking action on critically important environmental issues. This year 192 countries and over one billion people around the globe are expected to participate.

A Commitment to Renewable Energy

This Earth Day, as we embrace the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” I find myself reflecting not only on the beauty of wild places, but also on the growing urgency to protect them.

As a nature photographer and conservationist, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing nature’s beauty across the world — from alpenglow lighting up jagged peaks at sunrise to the soft pastels of red rock country at dusk, and sunlight filtering through hushed, old-growth forests. I go in search of light and life.

But over the years, I’ve also witnessed the increasing signs of loss – glaciers retreating, habitats shrinking, and ecosystems divided and disrupted. These aren’t isolated changes. They’re part of a global pattern of climate change, driven largely by our continued reliance on fossil fuels. They’re the consequence of climate change, driven largely by our continued reliance on fossil fuels.

Energy is not just a technological issue. It’s a deeply environmental one. And the shift to renewable energy is more than just an abstract strategy to cut carbon emissions. It’s about reclaiming the power to choose a different future — one where ecosystems are preserved (not sacrificed in the name of energy production), and nature and technology move forward together, not in conflict.

Nature and Clean Power: A Photographer’s Perspective

As someone who photographs wild places, I see renewable energy not only as a climate change solution — but as a tangible way to keep our natural ecosystems intact.

Fossil fuel extraction is among the most destructive forces acting on the environment today. It fragments landscapes, pollutes air and water, and displaces wildlife. Renewable energy offers a better way — one that doesn’t demand the destruction of important ecosystems just to keep the lights on.

Think: less mountain-top removal for coal extraction. Fewer industrial roads cutting through deserts, forests and tundra. Less noise, and fewer pipelines. Cleaner air and water allowing nature and wildlife to recover, rebound and thrive.

And I believe we, as Nature First members and responsible nature photographers, have a unique role to play. We know that images have the power to change minds and spark conversations. When people can see that renewable energy means more than just technological innovation — that it represents a future where nature and wildlife still have a place — they’re inspired and feel empowered to support it.

Renewable energy — wind, solar, geothermal, and beyond — is not just about technology. It’s a lifeline for the wild places we love and photograph.

How I’m Supporting the Transition

As someone who documents nature’s story, I want to do more than simply observe — I want to contribute to solutions that make a better world. That’s why I’m making intentional choices to support clean energy:

Sharing the stories behind my photos — not just the beauty of nature, but also the context and conservation efforts behind them.
Powering my gear with solar whenever possible, especially in the field.
Choosing clean energy providers and minimizing my carbon footprint through conscious travel and consumption
Supporting conservation groups that advocate for renewable energy policies and natural ecosystem protection — and lending my images to help bring their missions to life.

Small steps add up, especially when shared and amplified.

Our Power Is in Our Choices

Nature doesn’t get to vote on energy policy. It doesn’t have a voice at climate summits. But we do. And every choice we make — the energy we use, the images we share, the conversations we start — create a ripple effect that makes a difference.

Earth Day reminds us that the wild places we cherish aren’t just beautiful. They’re essential. And we have the power — and the responsibility — to protect them.