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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.
Reviving the Santa Cruz: efforts to restore Arizona’s endangered riverReviving the Santa Cruz: efforts to restore Arizona’s endangered river Local groups push for Urban National Wildlife Refuge designation.
US court rejects a request by tribes to block $10B SunZia energy transmission project in ArizonaUS court rejects a request by tribes to block $10B SunZia energy transmission project in Arizona The project — approved in 2015 following a lengthy review — has been touted as the biggest U.S. electricity infrastructure undertaking since the Hoover Dam was built in the 1930s.
‘Absolute beautiful place’: Rockin’ River Ranch State Park opens in Camp Verde‘Absolute beautiful place’: Rockin’ River Ranch State Park opens in Camp Verde Arizona’s newest state park sits between Phoenix and Flagstaff, at the confluence of West Clear Creek and the Verde River.
The Buzz: Invasive plants and wildfire dangerThe Buzz: Invasive plants and wildfire danger Arizona's increasing risk of wildfire and encroaching invasive plants are putting native plants in peril.
By Latinos, for Latinos, Amistades Receives $500,000 grant from EPA for climate justice initiativeBy Latinos, for Latinos, Amistades Receives $500,000 grant from EPA for climate justice initiative Justicia Juntos or Justice Together, looks to raise awareness and provide education on climate resilience.
EPA takes bold action against PFAS contaminationEPA takes bold action against PFAS contamination New standards promise safer drinking water for millions, marking a significant victory in environmental health
Coronado National Forest launches Cochran Fellowship Program Coronado National Forest launches Cochran Fellowship Program Cross-border collaborative training in southeastern Arizona
Desert Plants: Arizona Rosewood Desert Plants: Arizona Rosewood The Arizona Rosewood, Vauquelinia californica, is a drought and cold-tolerant native plant of the Sonoran Desert that makes a good choice for a home landscape
Arizona’s Clean Tech Boom: $90 billion invested, ‘thousands of jobs created'Arizona’s Clean Tech Boom: $90 billion invested, ‘thousands of jobs created' Driving innovation and employment growth in the fight against climate change
Invasive Plant is Causing Concern in the Sonoran Desert Invasive Plant is Causing Concern in the Sonoran Desert South African native can flourish in Central and Southern Arizona
Uranium is being mined near the Grand Canyon as prices soar and the US pushes for more nuclear powerUranium is being mined near the Grand Canyon as prices soar and the US pushes for more nuclear power The largest uranium producer in the United States is ramping up work at a mine less than 10 miles from the rim of the Grand Canyon.
Once lost to science, these "uncharismatic" animals are having their momentOnce lost to science, these "uncharismatic" animals are having their moment Species gain this "lost" status when there hasn't been a trace of them in 10 years, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
The Buzz: A longtime City Council member steps downThe Buzz: A longtime City Council member steps down Steve Kozachik has been a known quantity on the council for more than a decade. He now leaves for a job that mirrors his past career.
Bishop Weisenburger and Catholic leaders champion environmental justice in panel discussionBishop Weisenburger and Catholic leaders champion environmental justice in panel discussion Uniting faith and environmental stewardship to address the moral imperative of climate change.
Federal government allocates $475 million for clean energy projects on mine lands nationwideFederal government allocates $475 million for clean energy projects on mine lands nationwide The Morenci and Safford copper mines will recieve some of the funding.
SunZia Transmission Project sparks legal dispute over sacred sites preservationSunZia Transmission Project sparks legal dispute over sacred sites preservation The Tohono O’odham Nation and San Carlos Apache Tribe seek to halt construction, citing threats to cultural heritage.
I’m taking this way too seriously as an adult: The growth of mountain biking in ArizonaI’m taking this way too seriously as an adult: The growth of mountain biking in Arizona In two very different stories about one of America's fastest-growing sports, we head to a 24-hour mountain bike relay race. Then we talk to some of the people behind a documentary about spreading mountain biking on the Navajo Nation.
Balancing Act: The proposed Public Lands Rule aims to transform Bureau of Land Management’s stewardshipBalancing Act: The proposed Public Lands Rule aims to transform Bureau of Land Management’s stewardship The new rule seeks to redefine priorities and practices at the nation’s largest land manager
The life and loves of virtuoso Maria Callas explored in the play "Master Class".The life and loves of virtuoso Maria Callas explored in the play "Master Class". Also on Arizona Spotlight: The International Uranium Film Festival returns to Tucson; the comedy of Elliot Glicksman; and "Stories That Soar!" looks at how children cope with depression.
Annual survey highlights positive trends in Mexican Wolf population recoveryAnnual survey highlights positive trends in Mexican Wolf population recovery Conservation efforts show encouraging results with cross-fostering and breeding initiatives
Colorado River states to submit competing proposals ahead of deadline for draft of new rulesColorado River states to submit competing proposals ahead of deadline for draft of new rules The states haven't agreed on a plan.
The Buzz: What happens when Washington comes to town?The Buzz: What happens when Washington comes to town? The Buzz rides along as a federal advisor goes on a tour with city officials.
Arizona secures $10.3 million investment for ecosystem restoration Arizona secures $10.3 million investment for ecosystem restoration The federal investment strengthens conservation efforts and combats invasive threats
Santa Cruz County greenlights consultant for Hermosa Mine Project, sparks debate on environmental prioritiesSanta Cruz County greenlights consultant for Hermosa Mine Project, sparks debate on environmental priorities Stephanie Smith’s appointment calls for a pause, demanding a thorough evaluation of Hermosa Mine’s community and environmental impact
Diverse community comes together to clean up rural highway Diverse community comes together to clean up rural highway Every year people of different ideologies come together in Southern Arizona for the highway cleanup from Three Points, through the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge and to Sasabe and the always changing border.
Mandy Patinkin shares stories and laughter.Mandy Patinkin shares stories and laughter. Also on Arizona Spotlight: Being last in line to get water from the Colorado River; and four short films debut at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center.
Santa Cruz River CleanupSanta Cruz River Cleanup Picking up trash and sowing wildflowers with The Sonoran Institute
Desert Plants: The Desert HackberryDesert Plants: The Desert Hackberry The Desert Hackberry, Celtis pallida, is ideal for creating habitat for wildlife while helping pollinators.
Arizona rock climbers speak out against National Park ServiceArizona rock climbers speak out against National Park Service The anchors used by climbers is the issue.
Bobcats Take Center Stage in Tucson Study Bobcats Take Center Stage in Tucson Study Scientists and residents join forces to learn about the felines
Bobcats Among Us Bobcats Among Us Bobcats are thriving in metropolitan Tucson in spite of the community's growth in the Sonoran Desert.
Bestselling authors unite to oppose book banning through an intriguing collaboration.Bestselling authors unite to oppose book banning through an intriguing collaboration. Also on Arizona Spotlight: Water in Utah is draining Laker Powell; How Ehrenberg, Arizona got its name; and seeing color for the first time.
Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona State University receives $1.9 million for wildfire smoke preparedness Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona State University receives $1.9 million for wildfire smoke preparedness EPA hopes to award over $10 million to nine recipients under new grant program
Desert Plants: The Mexican Sunflower TreeDesert Plants: The Mexican Sunflower Tree The Mexican Sunflower Tree (Tithonia Fruticosa) is a giant in this family, that can get to several feet tall and wide
South32 Hermosa Project releases Mine Plan of OperationsSouth32 Hermosa Project releases Mine Plan of Operations Notice of Intent to prepare Environmental Impact Statement expected in May
Priscilla the Parrotfish brings the ocean plastic problem to the desertPriscilla the Parrotfish brings the ocean plastic problem to the desert An Oregon-based nonprofit makes sculptures entirely out of ocean plastic which are now on display in Tucson.
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