Earth Day 2024: Planet vs. Plastics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of the Earth Day theme for 2024?

Biodiversity Conservation

Planet vs. Plastics (correct)

Climate Action

Sustainable Energy Sources

Which landmark environmental law was passed first in the United States?

The Paris Agreement of 2015

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948

The Clean Water Act of 1972 (correct)

The Endangered Species Act of 1973

What is one way the Earth Day Network proposes to reduce plastic production by 2040?

Implementing fast fashion policies immediately

Encouraging coal usage for manufacturing

Raising awareness of health risks related to plastic (correct)

Increased usage of single-use plastics

What percentage reduction in plastic production by 2040 is targeted by the Earth Day Network?

60% Signup and view all the answers

What health risks are associated with plastic pollution as mentioned?

Cancer in humans and deaths in marine wildlife Signup and view all the answers

What action does the Earth Day Network encourage governments to take regarding single-use plastics?

Phase out all single-use plastics by 2030 Signup and view all the answers

What approach can clothing manufacturers take to reduce plastic pollution?

Choose natural or recycled fabrics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following supports the idea that plastic pollution is pervasive in human life?

Microplastics are ingested and inhaled by individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the park was burned during the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in August 2020?

97% Signup and view all the answers

What did researchers discover about the stored energy in the giant redwoods?

It can be between 50 and 100 years old. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the two strategies that redwoods use to cope with adversity?

Storing excess energy from leaf photosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

Where was the bud tissue traced to in the redwood trees?

The tree's center. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested to take years for full recovery within Big Basin Redwoods State Park?

The redwood trees. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the charred trees are already exhibiting signs of regrowth?

90% Signup and view all the answers

What secondary adaptation do redwood trees possess to promote leaf regrowth?

Presence of bud tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common superstition associated with September 13, 2024?

It is viewed as an unlucky day. Signup and view all the answers

What significant feature distinguishes the recently discovered 2,492-carat diamond in Botswana?

It is the largest diamond found in Southern Africa. Signup and view all the answers

Which diamond is recognized as the largest diamond discovered to date?

Cullinan diamond Signup and view all the answers

How was the newly discovered diamond found in Botswana?

Through the application of X-ray technology. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process through which diamonds are formed?

When carbon atoms are compressed at high pressure deep underground. Signup and view all the answers

What historical significance does the Cullinan diamond have in relation to British Crown jewels?

Two of its largest stones are part of the British Crown jewels. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a misconception about natural diamonds?

Most natural diamonds are at least a billion years old. Signup and view all the answers

What will likely happen to the recently discovered diamond in terms of its final form?

It will be cut into smaller gems. Signup and view all the answers

What decision did NASA officials announce regarding Boeing's Starliner spacecraft?

It will return to Earth without its crew members. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of Wilmore and Williams' mission aboard the Starliner?

To test the new spacecraft's safety and capabilities Signup and view all the answers

Why was it deemed too risky to return Wilmore and Williams aboard the Starliner?

Helium leaks and thruster failures were reported Signup and view all the answers

What alteration was made to the Crew-9 mission to accommodate the return of Wilmore and Williams?

Reduce the number of astronauts on Crew-9 from four to two Signup and view all the answers

What activities will Wilmore and Williams engage in as they transition to full-time crew members?

Conducting spacewalks and maintaining the ISS Signup and view all the answers

When is the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft expected to arrive at the ISS for Wilmore and Williams' return?

Sometime after September 24, 2024 Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment did both Wilmore and Williams express about their unexpected extension in the ISS?

They happily embraced their new responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

What issue did the Starliner face as it approached the ISS?

It experienced helium leaks and thruster failures Signup and view all the answers

What was the launch date of the Starliner's test flight to the ISS?

June 5, 2024 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Mammoth DAC plant?

To capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

How much carbon dioxide can the Mammoth DAC plant capture annually?

39,000 tons Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature does the Mammoth plant utilize to operate?

Geothermal energy Signup and view all the answers

What criticism do some experts have regarding DAC plants like Mammoth?

They distract from minimizing fossil fuel usage Signup and view all the answers

What is the capability of the upcoming Climeworks plant in Louisiana?

To capture 1 million tons of CO2 annually Signup and view all the answers

Which company is building a commercial-scale DAC plant in Texas?

Occidental Signup and view all the answers

What comparison is made between the Mammoth and Climeworks' Orca plant?

Mammoth is nine times larger than Orca Signup and view all the answers

What does Klaus Lackner emphasize about the efforts to combat carbon emissions?

More approaches beyond reducing fossil fuel reliance are needed Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of global food production is attributed to earthworms according to the report from Colorado State University?

6.5% Signup and view all the answers

Which crop yields were found to be positively influenced by the presence of earthworms in developing countries?

Grains like rice, maize, wheat, and barley, as well as legumes Signup and view all the answers

What ecological benefit do earthworms provide to soil that aids in plant growth?

Burrowing that aerates and loosens soil Signup and view all the answers

What was the increase in grain yields attributed to earthworms in Sub-Saharan Africa as per the findings?

10% Signup and view all the answers

How do earthworms protect plants from microplastic pollution according to the studies conducted?

By enabling plants to thrive despite contamination Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient availability process is aided by earthworm activity in soil?

Churning of organic matter Signup and view all the answers

In addition to improving soil, what other benefit do earthworms provide to agricultural ecosystems?

Repelling common plant-eating bugs Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of farming in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa influences reliance on earthworms?

Limited access to fertilizers and pesticides Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earth Day 2024 Theme

The theme for Earth Day 2024 is Planet vs. Plastics.
This highlights the fact that over 380 million tons of plastic are produced annually.
50% of plastic production is for single-use purposes.

Earth Day Network (EDN) Goals

EDN wants a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040.
EDN has outlined four ways to achieve this goal:
- Raise public awareness of health risks of plastic pollution.
- Persuade countries to phase out single-use plastics by 2030.
- Urge governments to end fast fashion.
- Encourage corporations to invest in sustainable materials.

Plastic Pollution Concerns

Our reliance on plastics could be the biggest gamble in the story of human health in history.
Microplastics are being ingested and inhaled.
Plastic pollution linked to health risks such as cancer in humans and deaths in marine wildlife.

Reducing Plastic Footprint

Individuals can make a difference by avoiding single-use plastics (e.g., cutlery, containers, water bottles).
Clothing manufacturers can use natural or recycled fabrics.
Restaurants can use compostable containers and utensils.

Nova Eruption

A nova only occurs in a star binary system.
It exhibits a sudden and dramatic increase in brightness.
T Coronae Borealis is a binary star system about 3,000 light-years away from Earth.
Recurring outbursts occur roughly every 80 years.

T Coronae Borealis Eruption

The upcoming eruption of T Coronae Borealis will be visible to the naked eye.
NASA expects the eruption to occur sometime before September 2024.

2024 Taiwan Earthquake

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan's east coast on April 3, 2024
The tremor, centered approximately 11 miles south of Hualien, was the most powerful to hit the island nation in 25 years.
The low loss of life is attributed to preemptive measures, strict building codes, and annual earthquake drills.

New Ichthyosaur Species

A massive Ichthyosaur species, Ichthyotitan severnensis, found in 2024
Discovered by father-daughter team in England (Somerset).
The jaw alone measures approximately 6 feet.

Cicada Broods 2024

Two cicada broods expected to emerge this May 2024, Brood XIX (13 years) and Brood XIII (17 years).
Overlap in some states.

Zombie Fires

Zombie fires are wildfires that have gone underground.
These fires can smolder for weeks, months, or even years.
Several Canadian provinces experienced numerous zombie fires due to ongoing drought , lack of snow, and high temperatures.

Mammoth DAC Plant

The world’s largest direct air capture (DAC) plant opened in Iceland in May 2024.
It can remove about 39,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually.

2024 Presidential Election

The Presidential election will take place on November 5, 2024.
Millions of Americans will vote for either VP Kamala Harris or former President Trump, in the election.

Ancient Roman Discovery in Italy's Pompeii

The ancient city of Herculaneum was buried under volcanic ash.
Excavations revealed 1,800 rolled papyrus scrolls.
The scrolls detailed information from the Roman era.

Carpenter Ants

Florida carpenter ants have been observed performing medical surgeries on injured nestmates.
The actions involved cleaning and amputating injured appendages of other ants.

Octopus Hunting Behavior

Octopuses play a leadership role in hunting packs.
Observed in groups in the Red Sea, octopuses typically use fish as a lead to locate prey.
The arrangement benefits both the octopus and the fish.

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Description

This quiz explores the theme of Earth Day 2024, focusing on the impact of plastics on our planet. It discusses the goals set by the Earth Day Network to reduce plastic production and highlights public health risks associated with plastic pollution. Learn how individual actions can contribute to a sustainable future.