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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.
Tucson sues U.S. Air Force over PFAS contamination of city waterTucson sues U.S. Air Force over PFAS contamination of city water City files federal lawsuit to recover costs of PFAS water cleanup.
Willcox Groundwater Basin designated as Arizona’s 7th active management areaWillcox Groundwater Basin designated as Arizona’s 7th active management area Governor Hobbs uses administrative action to safeguard water in southeastern AZ.
Arizona completes statewide water testing for PFAS ahead of updated EPA regulations deadlinesArizona completes statewide water testing for PFAS ahead of updated EPA regulations deadlines 88% of water systems sampled meet new federal standards, 12% exceed newly established levels.
Holiday tradition highlights living room dangersHoliday tradition highlights living room dangers Fireplace wood burning carries some hazardous health risks.
AZ bumble bee species could be added to endangered species listAZ bumble bee species could be added to endangered species list A public comment period for the Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee is open Dec. 17.
Monarch butterfly population crisis sparks endangered species proposalMonarch butterfly population crisis sparks endangered species proposal Public input sought on new proposal to protect monarch butterflies under Endangered Species Act.
Artists from ArtWorks bring their ideas of home to "Won't You Be My Neighbor?".Artists from ArtWorks bring their ideas of home to "Won't You Be My Neighbor?". Also on Arizona Spotlight: How the Tucson Bird Alliance will be making a difference in 2025; and actor and history buff Fred Pitts brings his one-man show "Aren't You..?" to Tucson.
AG Mayes sues Saudi-owned alfalfa farm FondomonteAG Mayes sues Saudi-owned alfalfa farm Fondomonte The lawsuit alleges that the company has excessively pumped groundwater, causing a nuisance in La Paz County.
New EPA rules phase out toxic chemicals TCE and limits PCE nationwideNew EPA rules phase out toxic chemicals TCE and limits PCE nationwide Biden Administration’s EPA advances protections against carcinogens.
Debate heats up in Arizona over using dog packs for huntingDebate heats up in Arizona over using dog packs for hunting Game and Fish Commission balances tradition and modern wildlife management.
Scientists gather to decode puzzle of the world's rarest whale in 'extraordinary' New Zealand studyScientists gather to decode puzzle of the world's rarest whale in 'extraordinary' New Zealand study The creature, which washed up dead on a beach on New Zealand's South Island in July, is only the seventh specimen ever found.
New protected bicycle lanes opening in downtown Tucson New protected bicycle lanes opening in downtown Tucson Project on Stone Avenue also adds pedestrian crosswalks and landscaping
Spotlight Community Theater's production of "Cinderella". Spotlight Community Theater's production of "Cinderella". Also on Arizona Spotlight: A tale of true love that started in Tucson in 1943 that continues today; and historian David Leighton shares the history of the Reid Park Zoo..
Conservation groups petition Arizona Game and Fish Commission to ban hound hunting practicesConservation groups petition Arizona Game and Fish Commission to ban hound hunting practices The Center for Biological Diversity and others, call for a statewide ban on using dog packs to hunt wildlife, citing threats to endangered species and fair chase ethics.
The Buzz: Arizona's 100-year water supply ruleThe Buzz: Arizona's 100-year water supply rule Adequate water supply is more commonly becoming a concern for new housing developments.
Santa Cruz River Partnership could create Arizona’s first urban wildlife refugeSanta Cruz River Partnership could create Arizona’s first urban wildlife refuge US Fish and Wildlife Service, City of Tucson, Pima County and Santa Cruz County join forces to safeguard natural and cultural resources.
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.
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