EARTH DAY QUIZ
April is Earth Month and, of course, the celebrated Earth Day. Lawrence is not hosting the usual parade and fun event in the park, but we can put some fun in the celebration through a little quiz. We are living in trying times of not so good environmental news, but Earth Stewards know that their efforts are making a difference and are willing to keep up the good work--and be an example for others. Answers follow the question in bold type. Here is the quiz:
How many trees does it take to ensure 4 people breathe easily? It takes only one tree--plant more trees.
What was the major goal of the Paris Accord and continued at COP 26? The goal continues to be to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees C & to take steps to limit warming to 1.5 C.
What promises did countries make to keep global temperatures from rising? Countries promised to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy, phase out coal -burning plants, expand electric transportation and upgrade building efficiency. COP 26 added more time boundaries and issued more data on severe consequences of climate change.
What is earth’s smallest creature? The bumblebee bat that weighs less than a penny and is less than an inch long. As with most bats, it is a pollinator and eats thousands of bugs.
Which emits the largest amount of green- house gas missions--transportation sector, energy for heating and cooling, industry, commercial or agriculture? According to EPA figures, transportation=27%, electricity and heating=25%, industry=24%, commercial=13% and agriculture and land use=11%.
What is the average American’s yearly output of emissions? The average is 6 tons--world average is 4 tons. It needs to be around 2 tons to reach climate goals.
70% of the earth is covered by water. What is the percentage of freshwater? Tricky answer-3% is fresh water--but only 0.5% is readily available. 2.5% is locked in glaciers and ice caps. These are melting fast into the oceans. Fresh water will be a big problem in a warmer world.
Which provides the most oxygen for human life--rainforests, oceans, mountains, clouds. The answer is oceans. The phytoplankton in the ocean out produces the rainforests (They are also extremely valuable). Ocean pollution, rising tides, acidification and warmer waters kill off phytoplankton.
Which country has the most biodiversity, Brazil. Australia, Madagascar or Tanzania? Brazil has from 15% to 20% of the world’s biodiversity. However, the rainforest is in a fight for its life due to deforestation. Every country has precious biodiversity that is being threatened.
What can individuals do to protect the planet this Earth Day and every other day of the year?
One can work each day on lowering our carbon footprint by purchasing less, reusing, repairing, and recycling. We can make our homes more efficient, drive less, eat less meat, eliminate plastic use, conserve water and energy use, grow gardens, plant trees and much more.
EARTH STEWARD ACTION: Check the above list. How are you doing on this list?
SOURCES : Please go to https://www.rd.com/article/earth-day-quiz/ (original article by Chole Nannested), https://epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions?msclkid=8ed8bdd4c0d71/ec843dcefe6d2fa6ae