Earth Day and Environmental Protection

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Questions and Answers

What is the central theme of Earth Day 2024?

  • The preservation of endangered species.
  • The dangers and reduction of plastic pollution. (correct)
  • The impact of climate change on global weather patterns.
  • The importance of clean water initiatives.

What primary action did Gaylord Nelson initiate that led to the first Earth Day?

  • He lobbied for the Endangered Species Act.
  • He founded the Earth Day Network.
  • He drafted the Clean Water Act.
  • He organized a large-scale environmental protest involving over 20 million people. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a specific goal outlined by the Earth Day Network to reduce plastic production?

  • Phasing out all single-use plastics globally by 2030.
  • Implementing policies to eliminate the use of plastics in the automotive industry. (correct)
  • Urging governments to end fast fashion practices.
  • Increasing public awareness of health risks associated with plastics.

By what percentage is the Earth Day Network aiming to reduce plastic production by 2040?

<p>60 percent (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions can individuals take to significantly decrease plastic use?

<p>Carrying reusable cutlery and containers to reduce reliance on single-use plastics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Earth Day Network's stance on the health risks associated with microplastics?

<p>They assert that even the possibility of toxicity is too terrifying to ignore. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most accurate description of the relationship between 'fast fashion' and plastic pollution, as implied?

<p>Fast fashion significantly contributes to plastic pollution due to its reliance on synthetic fabrics. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides governmental laws and individual actions, what immediate step can companies take to diminish their plastic footprint?

<p>Transition to natural or recycled fabrics in clothing manufacturing and use compostable containers in restaurants. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which landmark environmental protection laws can be attributed, at least in part, to the influence of the Earth Day movement?

<p>The Clean Water Act of 1972, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 in the US, and the 2015 Paris Agreement. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Imagine a hypothetical scenario where a new scientific study definitively links a specific microplastic compound, commonly found in single-use water bottles, to a previously unknown and irreversible neurological disorder. Considering the Earth Day Network’s goals, what action would most align with their stated objectives?

<p>Initiating an immediate global campaign advocating for the complete ban of the specific microplastic compound and transition to alternative, sustainable materials, coupled with public awareness programs on the newly discovered health risks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Earth Day

Annual event on April 22 to protect our planet.

Gaylord Nelson

US lawmaker who started Earth Day in 1970.

Earth Day Network (EDN)

Aims for 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040.

Health risks of plastic pollution

Linked to cancer and deaths in marine wildlife.

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EDN's goal for single-use plastics

Aims to phase out all single-use plastics by 2030.

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Fast fashion

Major contributor to plastic pollution.

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Natural or recycled fabrics

These can reduce a company's plastic footprint.

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Study Notes

  • Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22 as a reminder to protect the planet.
  • The global movement started on April 22, 1970, when US lawmaker Gaylord Nelson mobilized over 20 million people to support environmental protection.
  • Earth Day Network (EDN) now has over 50,000 partners in more than 190 countries.
  • Landmark environmental laws include:
    • The Clean Water Act of 1972
    • The Endangered Species Act of 1973 in the US
    • The 2015 Paris Agreement, an international treaty on climate change.
  • The theme for Earth Day 2024 is Planet vs. Plastics.
  • Over 380 million tons of plastic are produced annually, with 50% being for single-use.
  • The nonprofit is demanding a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2040.

EDN's Goals

  • Raise public awareness of the health risks of plastic pollution.
  • Persuade countries to phase out all single-use plastics by 2030.
  • Urge governments to implement policies to end fast fashion.
  • Encourage corporations to invest in innovative technologies to create sustainable materials.

Health Risks

  • Plastic pollution has been linked to cancer in humans and deaths in marine wildlife.
  • Microplastics are ingested and inhaled, posing potential toxicity risks.

Immediate Actions

  • Clothing manufacturers can use natural or recycled fabrics.
  • Restaurants can use compostable paper containers for food delivery.
  • Individuals can carry reusable cutlery sets, containers for leftovers, water bottles, and lunch bags.

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