Earth Day 2024: Planet vs. Plastics

An annual event celebrated on April 22nd, raising awareness about the need to protect the environment.

A non-profit organization that coordinates and supports Earth Day activities worldwide.

The theme of Earth Day 2024, highlighting the excessive production and use of plastics.

The amount of plastic manufactured each year, with a significant proportion used for single-use purposes.

The goal of reducing plastic production by 60% by 2040, set by Earth Day Network.

A type of clothing production characterized by rapid changes in trends and low prices, contributing heavily to plastic pollution.

Small pieces of plastic resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items, found in various environments.

Measures or rules put in place to restrict or control the use of plastics.

The Cullinan diamond, discovered in 1905, is the largest diamond ever found, weighing in at 3,106 carats.

The 2,492-carat diamond discovered in Botswana is the second largest diamond ever found.

Diamonds are formed deep underground through a process involving high pressure and heat, where carbon atoms are squeezed together.

Diamonds are brought closer to the Earth's surface through volcanic eruptions.

Scientists estimate the age of most natural diamonds to be at least a billion years old, with some being over three billion years old.

The Sewelô diamond, previously the second largest diamond, was sold to Louis Vuitton for an undisclosed sum.

The discovery of the 2,492-carat diamond in Botswana is expected to fetch tens of millions of dollars.

The 530.2-carat Cullinan 1 is part of the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross, used in every coronation since 1661.

An uncrewed spacecraft designed to transport up to seven astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS).

A mission to test the safety and capabilities of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, launched on June 5, 2024.

A leak of helium, a vital component for spacecraft maneuvering, that occurred during the Starliner's approach to the ISS.

A failure of the thrusters, devices that propel the spacecraft, encountered by the Starliner during its mission.

A reusable spacecraft developed by SpaceX that is used to transport astronauts to and from the ISS.

A mission to the ISS by SpaceX, originally scheduled for August 18, 2024, but delayed due to the Starliner's docking.

The astronauts who were initially on the Starliner test flight and are now staying at the ISS until February 2025.

The transition of Wilmore and Williams from temporary guests to full-time members of the ISS crew.

Thick bark and towering height, protecting from fire.

Stored energy from photosynthesis, used during leafless periods.

Tissue enabling leaf regrowth, even from centuries-old wood.

Radiocarbon dating revealed that the stored energy in redwoods can be 50-100 years old.

The 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire burned 97% of Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

The impressive regrowth of the redwoods after the CZU fire shows their resilience.

Research on redwood resilience highlights their amazing adaptations.

The full recovery of Big Basin Redwoods State Park will take years, but the regrowth of trees is promising.

Direct air capture (DAC) is a technology that removes carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere.

Mammoth, the world's largest direct air capture plant, is located in Iceland and can absorb up to 39,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

DAC plants work by using fans to pull air through specialized filters, trapping carbon molecules which are then mixed with water and pumped underground to react with volcanic rocks, eventually turning into stone.

Critics of DAC plants argue that they are not enough to reduce overall emissions and that the cost of these plants is a distraction from efforts to minimize the use of fossil fuels.

Proponents of DAC argue that it is necessary to remove existing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in addition to reducing emissions.

Climeworks, a Swiss company, is planning to build a new DAC plant in Louisiana, USA, which is expected to capture a million tons of CO2 annually by 2030.

SpaceX has completed its first commercial space mission called Polaris Dawn, which saw a crew of all civilian astronauts set several space altitude records and conduct a pioneering spacewalk.

Polaris Dawn was the first of three planned commercial space missions under the Polaris program.

Earthworms play a crucial role in global food production, contributing an estimated 6.5% of the world's annual harvest, equivalent to Russia's grain output.

Earthworms improve soil quality by creating channels for drainage, aerating the soil, and breaking down organic matter, making nutrients more accessible to plants.

Earthworms can protect plants from harmful microplastics by incorporating them into their bodies, which prevents the plastics from harming plants.

Earthworms' impact on crop yields is particularly significant in developing countries where access to fertilizers and pesticides is limited.

Earthworms' burrowing activity helps loosen and aerate soil, allowing water to drain from the surface and be stored underground.

Earthworms' constant movement helps churn the soil's organic matter, making nutrients more available to plants. This improves nutrient cycling and plant growth.

Earthworms contribute to sustainable agroecosystems by enhancing natural processes, reducing the reliance on chemical inputs, and improving soil health.

Researchers found that earthworms helped increase grain yields by 10% in Sub-Saharan Africa and 8% in Latin America.