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Earth Day 2024:
Planet vs. Plastics

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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.
Does the narwhal's famous tusk help it catch fish?Does the narwhal's famous tusk help it catch fish? Intriguing video of narwhals using their tusks to mess with fish has scientists speculating about what this behavior might mean.
Federal lease terminations threaten five National Park Service facilities in ArizonaFederal lease terminations threaten five National Park Service facilities in Arizona Cuts could disrupt visitor experiences, scientific research and park operations.
BLM opens Environmental Assessment for Copper Creek Mine Project to public commentBLM opens Environmental Assessment for Copper Creek Mine Project to public comment Located in Arizona’s rugged Sky Islands, the proposed copper mine could impact ecosystem and water resources.
The Buzz: Preventing catastrophic wildfiresThe Buzz: Preventing catastrophic wildfires A look at how wildfires became more intense, and what we're doing to combat it.
Arizona bill to protect hunting with dogs fails by narrow house vote, will be reconsidered Arizona bill to protect hunting with dogs fails by narrow house vote, will be reconsidered Lawmakers narrowly rejected a proposal to safeguard hound hunting while conservationists push for stricter regulations.
Two new books that bring important histories to light. Two new books that bring important histories to light. Kirsten Miller talks about her novel "Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books"; and Mike Stark shares the natural history "Starlings The Curious Odyssey of a Most Hated Bird".
Pima County publishes 2023 Multi-Species Conservation Plan reportPima County publishes 2023 Multi-Species Conservation Plan report The county’s latest report highlights habitat protection, invasive species removal and wildlife monitoring.
Tucson launches first electric garbage truck in move toward 2030 EV fleet goalTucson launches first electric garbage truck in move toward 2030 EV fleet goal City officials want to cut emissions to improve public health.
Saguaro National Park visitor centers to close Mondays amid National Park Service layoffsSaguaro National Park visitor centers to close Mondays amid National Park Service layoffs Two visitor center staff laid off ahead of busy tourism season.
Ironwood Pig SanctuaryIronwood Pig Sanctuary Mary Schanz and her team care for 680 pigs in Marana, making Ironwood the largest pot-belly pig sanctuary in the country.
'It was the very beginning of my career': National Park Service layoffs impact Southern Arizona'It was the very beginning of my career': National Park Service layoffs impact Southern Arizona National park job cuts spark concerns over conservation, tourism and the future of public lands.
Tucson leaders push for support to expand clean energyTucson leaders push for support to expand clean energy Climate change is straining healthcare systems– advocates say clean energy can help.
Meet your feisty neighborhood felines in the Tucson area Meet your feisty neighborhood felines in the Tucson area Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are surviving and flourishing in urban settings, despite real challenges.
AZ House lawmaker asks that feds waive Endangered Species Act for militaryAZ House lawmaker asks that feds waive Endangered Species Act for military Gail Griffin's bill would send a letter with the request to the president and both chambers of Congress.
ADEQ approves South32 Hermosa Project expansion for tailings storageADEQ approves South32 Hermosa Project expansion for tailings storage South32 secures amendment to Aquifer Protection Permit.
Environmental groups challenge air quality permit for Copper World mineEnvironmental groups challenge air quality permit for Copper World mine Appeal argues Arizona regulators failed to enforce stricter pollution controls.
Interior Secretary’s new order sparks concerns over national monument protectionsInterior Secretary’s new order sparks concerns over national monument protections Environmental advocates warn the policy shift could threaten protected public lands in Arizona.
Arizona court upholds Hermosa Mine’s water discharge standardsArizona court upholds Hermosa Mine’s water discharge standards Arizona Court of Appeals affirms South32’s permit complies with Arizona’s water quality laws.
New Arizona bill aims to curb groundwater decline and protect rural farmersNew Arizona bill aims to curb groundwater decline and protect rural farmers The Rural Groundwater Management Act (RGMA) could reshape Arizona’s water future.
Invasive Desert Plants – StinknetInvasive Desert Plants – Stinknet Invasive plants in the Sonoran Desert, such as stinknet (Oncosiphon pilulife) endanger natives by competing for limited water resources and creating fire risks, among others
This shark pup was born in a habitat without any males. How did that happen?This shark pup was born in a habitat without any males. How did that happen? Yoko the baby swell shark was born on Jan. 3, some eight months after her egg was discovered in a tank with that only housed other female sharks.
Snow4Flow: Studying Glaciers From ArizonaSnow4Flow: Studying Glaciers From Arizona Snow4Flow is a new University of Arizona-led NASA mission to study arctic glaciers using advanced radar mounted on low-flying aircraft, with the goal of improving climate modeling and predicting sea level rise.
Progress on Interstate 11 in AZ on hold after lawsuit dealProgress on Interstate 11 in AZ on hold after lawsuit deal A stay in a court case means environmental reports will be re-examined.
Desert Plants – Turpentine BushDesert Plants – Turpentine Bush The Turpentine bush (Ericameria laricifolia) is a tough shrub in our region.
Lawsuit challenges EPA over Hermosa Mine air quality permit in southern ArizonaLawsuit challenges EPA over Hermosa Mine air quality permit in southern Arizona The Center for Biological Diversity and Patagonia Area Resource Alliance seek to block air permit for critical mineral mine.
Saber teeth in predators evolved many times. Did it lead to their extinction?Saber teeth in predators evolved many times. Did it lead to their extinction? A new analysis suggests saber teeth were highly specialized for puncturing prey, ultimately at the cost of durability.
Field Notes: Meteor CraterField Notes: Meteor Crater An Exploration of Awe
Arizona’s Sonoran Chub at risk as border wall blocks critical streamflowArizona’s Sonoran Chub at risk as border wall blocks critical streamflow Threatened fish species faces threats from border infrastructure.
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly seeks commitment from EPA nominee to address legacy mines and PFAS issues in ArizonaArizona Senator Mark Kelly seeks commitment from EPA nominee to address legacy mines and PFAS issues in Arizona Lee Zeldin agrees to support Kelly’s initiatives.
Desert Plants – Yellow Bells Desert Plants – Yellow Bells You can grow thousands of plants in the Sonoran Desert, and many of them are beneficial natives that are good for birds, insects and other wildlife while providing visual appeal.
Arizona lawmakers press utility companies on wildfire mitigation and grid resiliency plansArizona lawmakers press utility companies on wildfire mitigation and grid resiliency plans TEP details wildfire prevention strategies and grid upgrades during Arizona Senate Committee hearing.
Arizona conservation groups present 2025 Environmental Priorities to Governor Hobbs and Legislature Arizona conservation groups present 2025 Environmental Priorities to Governor Hobbs and Legislature Over 35 organizations urge action on climate, water policies, clean energy and environmental justice in Arizona’s 2025 legislative session.
Cooling Our NeighborhoodCooling Our Neighborhood An Elementary School Is Transforming Their Environment By Planting A Rain Garden
Arizona tribes receive nearly $750k for climate adaptation plansArizona tribes receive nearly $750k for climate adaptation plans The funding comes from the Bureau of Indian Affairs' annual tribal community resilience awards program.
The water mystery unfolding in the western U.S.The water mystery unfolding in the western U.S. There's a rural area in Arizona with massive groundwater basins underneath the earth. Water should be plentiful there, but wells are running dry.
The Buzz: Catching up with Arizona AG Kris MayesThe Buzz: Catching up with Arizona AG Kris Mayes Mayes talks about what happened in 2024 and what may come in 2025.
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