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Earth Day 2024:
Planet vs. Plastics

What to WatchResourcesFeaturesStories
AZPM Celebrates Earth Day
Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held in 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EarthDay.org including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.

The official theme for 2024 is Planet vs. Plastics.

Feature Bees play a massive role in pollinating the plants that we eat. A single bee colony can pollinate 300 million flowers in a day. Approximately 75% of the world’s crops depend on pollinators.
Resources
Enjoy a special collection of stories, programs and educational assets that highlight nature, the environment, climate, and protecting the planet.

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Celebrate Earth DayUS Environmental Protection Agency On April 22, we celebrate our shared home by learning how to best protect it and create a brighter, healthier future for all people. Explore More
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The Earth Day CollectionFrom PBS LearningMedia Bring environmental justice and awareness into your classroom this Earth Day with these videos, articles, and lesson plans. Explore More
Features
StoryEvolution Earth At the front lines of climate change, animals have a surprising story to tell.
StoryThe Green Planet Sir David Attenborough travels the globe to reveal the secret, incredible world of plants.
StoryOf Ants and Men An exploration of the remarkable life and groundbreaking ideas of biologist E.O Wilson.
StoryWeathered Natural disasters and extreme weather can happen without warning. And with the impacts of climate change, more Americans than ever are at risk. How can you prepare?
StoryNOVA: Chasing Carbon Zero Can the U.S. reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and avoid the biggest impacts of climate change?
StoryThe Human Footprint Explore the global impact of Earth’s most ingenious, destructive, and adaptable species.
StoryEarth Emergency This revealing film examines how human activity is setting off dangerous warming loops.
StoryChanging Planet Join Dr. M. Sanjayan for an environmental health check of Earth’s vulnerable habitats.
StoryThe Desert Speaks Through intriguing storytelling and stunning photography, viewers find out about the people, plants, animals and archaeology of arid regions throughout the New World.
StoryAdaptation Visit communities around the world as they adapt to climate change in surprising ways.
StoryArctic Drift From NOVA, a team of scientists face hungry polar bears, perilous sea ice cracks, and brutal cold, as they strive to understand the forces that are changing the region—and the world—forever.
StoryClimate Change: The Facts Experts examine the impact of climate change and possible solutions to this global threat.
StoryThe Power of Big Oil From FRONTLINE, a new three-part documentary series on the oil industry and its relationship to climate change.
StoryReef Rescue From NOVA, scientists from around the globe are rushing to help corals adapt to a changing climate through assisted evolution.
StoryCan we Cool the Planet? From NOVA, as global temperatures rise, scientists are exploring solutions from planting trees to sucking carbon out of the air to geoengineering. But would they work?
Stories
Celebrate Earth Day with this collection of stories from AZPM.
Hobbs signs largest tribal water rights agreement in US history Hobbs signs largest tribal water rights agreement in US history The settlement is contingent on Congressional approval.
Commissioner Kevin Thompson advocates for Arizona ratepayers in BlackRock disputeCommissioner Kevin Thompson advocates for Arizona ratepayers in BlackRock dispute ACC joins multi-state effort to hold investment companies accountable for federal commitments.
Colorado River states are separated by a ‘giant chasm’ in negotiationsColorado River states are separated by a ‘giant chasm’ in negotiations Arizona’s top water official outlined major differences between the states’ ideas about how to cut back on water use.
Environmentalists concerned after protected Mexican wolf dies in ArizonaEnvironmentalists concerned after protected Mexican wolf dies in Arizona Up to $103,500 in reward money from state and federal agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations and private individuals, had been pledged for information “that leads to successful prosecution in the case.”
TUSD gets $4 million EPA grant to replace diesel buses with electric fleetTUSD gets $4 million EPA grant to replace diesel buses with electric fleet Ten diesel buses are being replaced with electric models, reducing emissions and cutting costs.
The Buzz: Take a trip into Kartchner CavernsThe Buzz: Take a trip into Kartchner Caverns We mark 50 years since the cave's discovery and 25 years since it opened to the public with a tour.
Positive Vibrations at the Fresh Water SpringPositive Vibrations at the Fresh Water Spring People enjoy drinking water from harding spring near Sedona, Arizona.
UA tree watering project aims to conserve water and reduce urban heatUA tree watering project aims to conserve water and reduce urban heat From rainwater harvesting to mulching, researchers find ways to grow resilient trees.
Reinventing PlasticsReinventing Plastics How sulfur is being used to make sustainable plastics.
Pima County advances plans for Santa Cruz River conservation and wildlife refugePima County advances plans for Santa Cruz River conservation and wildlife refuge New partnership aims to protect the Santa Cruz River’s riparian habitat and promote environmental education.
Baby Haggis is the new Moo DengBaby Haggis is the new Moo Deng A pygmy hippo is born in Edinburgh.
How some of Pima County’s youngest voters feel about casting their ballotsHow some of Pima County’s youngest voters feel about casting their ballots Arizona’s Gen Z voters set to shape the 2024 election.
Tucson Unified School District approves climate action plan led by students, targets net-zero by 2040Tucson Unified School District approves climate action plan led by students, targets net-zero by 2040 New policy prioritizes clean energy, sustainable practices and a comprehensive climate education.
Neighboring governors Hobbs, Durazo sign off on environmental plan to address cross-border air, water, waste and wildlife issuesNeighboring governors Hobbs, Durazo sign off on environmental plan to address cross-border air, water, waste and wildlife issues New strategic plan prioritizes sustainable solutions for shared environmental challenges along the Arizona-Sonora border.
Coronado National Forest to add 2-mile connector to Finger Rock Trail Coronado National Forest to add 2-mile connector to Finger Rock Trail First project under the Santa Catalina Trail Plan offers improved access and opportunities.
"Gaudy Sorrow" is author Barbara Seyda's memoir of love and loss."Gaudy Sorrow" is author Barbara Seyda's memoir of love and loss. Also on Arizona Spotlight: Find out how the Assistance League of Tucson has been helping people in need for 65 years; and cold blooded critters (and those who love them) gather for the 22nd Tucson Reptile & Amphibian Show.
U.S. Air Force complies with EPA order on PFAS cleanup at Tucson Superfund SiteU.S. Air Force complies with EPA order on PFAS cleanup at Tucson Superfund Site EPA approves Air Force plan to address PFAS contamination and water safety efforts at Tucson International Airport Superfund Site.
Broken Promises, Contaminated Waters: Uranium mining on the Navajo NationBroken Promises, Contaminated Waters: Uranium mining on the Navajo Nation An investigation reveals the deadly health toll of uranium mining on Navajo land, where contaminated water and broken promises have left generations fighting for survival.
Making Arizona: Tohono O’odham WaterMaking Arizona: Tohono O’odham Water The video presents a short history of land and water on the San Xavier District on the Tohono O’odham nation, highlighting the importance of the collective action taken by tribal members to return farming to the district.
A jellyfish with a superpower — it can fuse with another and become oneA jellyfish with a superpower — it can fuse with another and become one Comb jelly fusion has been observed before, but this is the first time that scientists have documented the individuals behaving as one.
Awareness RanchAwareness Ranch Permaculture and Natural Building In Action.
Why don’t we just fix the Colorado River crisis by piping in water from the East?Why don’t we just fix the Colorado River crisis by piping in water from the East? The answer is complicated.
Fact Check Arizona: Utility rates, the Corporation Commission and green energyFact Check Arizona: Utility rates, the Corporation Commission and green energy As Arizonans prepare to elect new utility regulators, we look at how those offices work and what candidates have said about its work.
Invasive Desert Plants – Fountain GrassInvasive Desert Plants – Fountain Grass Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) endangers natives by competing for limited water resources and taking over large swaths of territories.
Tucson is reaching record-setting temperatures this season Tucson is reaching record-setting temperatures this season September 2024 is the hottest on record, and October is also breaking records
Uranium Mining in the Grand Canyon Region: Tribal Sovereignty vs. Nuclear Energy in the Climate CrisisUranium Mining in the Grand Canyon Region: Tribal Sovereignty vs. Nuclear Energy in the Climate Crisis Uranium mining and nuclear energy may be affecting Arizona's tribal nations, posing threats to the region's water resources and the environmental and cultural heritage connected to them.
Dragonfly Festival honors Tucson’s Santa Cruz River restorationDragonfly Festival honors Tucson’s Santa Cruz River restoration From wastewater to wildlife, how Tucson’s Heritage Project Reach became a thriving river ecosystem.
Tucson Airport Authority agrees to investigate groundwater pollution under EPA settlementTucson Airport Authority agrees to investigate groundwater pollution under EPA settlement The agreement will focus on investigating and addressing PFAS pollution stemming from the Tucson International Airport.
For thrills and suspense, Arizona Theatre Company invites you to "Dial M for Murder".For thrills and suspense, Arizona Theatre Company invites you to "Dial M for Murder". Also on Arizona Spotlight: How Bisbee Bikeways want to make transportation safer and healthier; and learn the secrets of the Vegan Night Market.
Tucson city council to vote on ban of homeless encampments in washesTucson city council to vote on ban of homeless encampments in washes The proposed ban is aimed at enhancing public safety and protecting fragile ecosystems.
“This aquifer is our Colorado River”: Rural residents struggle when corporate farms drill deep for water“This aquifer is our Colorado River”: Rural residents struggle when corporate farms drill deep for water From the Governor to the Attorney General, Arizona officials grapple with saving rural water supplies.
Invasive Desert Plants: African SumacInvasive Desert Plants: African Sumac Invasive plants in the Sonoran Desert, such as the African sumac endangers natives by competing for limited water resources and creating monocultures.
Sonoran Desert Toad Awareness Training: Keeping dogs safe from the psychedelic amphibiansSonoran Desert Toad Awareness Training: Keeping dogs safe from the psychedelic amphibians Keeping our canines safe from the harmful danger of the Sonoran Desert Toad
House subcommittee considers bill to redesignate Chiricahua National Monument as a national park House subcommittee considers bill to redesignate Chiricahua National Monument as a national park Tribal leaders and local officials weigh in on the potential economic benefit and cultural impact
Efforts to protect Santa Cruz River gain ground with federal conservation planEfforts to protect Santa Cruz River gain ground with federal conservation plan Community leaders and federal officials join forces to safeguard one of America’s most endangered plans
A celestial trifecta: What to know about Tuesday’s lunar eclipseA celestial trifecta: What to know about Tuesday’s lunar eclipse Stargazers will be in for another celestial treat Tuesday night as three cosmic events will occur at the same time during the full moon.
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