Posted on April 22, 2024 in
News & Events
Earth Day is an annual celebration held on April 22nd, a time to reflect upon the remarkable planet we inhabit and our role in preserving its beauty and resources. As the only home we’ve ever known, we all too often take our world for granted. In the vast cosmos that can be observed with our current technology, Earth is a rarity. A unique planet, with diverse ecosystems, breathtaking landscapes, and an abundance of life.
Regrettably, the greatest threat to our planet’s health is us. Earth is facing significant challenges as our population continues to expand and impact our environment. From climate change to pollution to loss of biodiversity.
However, Earth Day isn’t just a day to dwell on the problems. It’s an opportunity for positive action and unity that transcends borders. Each one of us can make a difference, whether it’s by reducing our carbon footprint, supporting sustainable practices, or advocating for environmental protection. The ultimate goal is to keep our home healthy and beautiful for generations to come.
Earth Day 2024
Since its humble beginnings in 1970, EARTHDAY.ORG has worked tirelessly to create positive changes around the globe. They have inspired more than 1 billion people annually to make a difference and help protect our planet.
Plastic pollution has been a growing crisis for years. To reduce plastic production by 60% by the year 2040, this year’s theme is “Planet vs Plastics”. Canada has already taken multiple steps to reduce single-use plastics, but there is still a long way to go to meet the international goal.
A significant portion of the population still believes that profits and progress are more important than environmental responsibility. The problem with short-term gain is it often leads to long-term pain. There is a popular Native American saying that expresses it best:
“When the last tree is cut down, the last fish eaten, and the last stream poisoned, you will realize that you cannot eat money.”
Strange New Worlds
While some Earthlings are optimistic that humankind can one day colonize Mars, our neighboring planet is not a viable backup for Earth. It is cold, barren, and inhospitable. It is not a safety net. If we irrevocably destroy Earth’s ecosystem, we cannot escape our dying world just to rebuild on an already dead one. To find another habitable world we need to look further out. Much further out.
Thus far, only 70 potentially habitable worlds have been identified out of more than five thousand exoplanets (a planet orbiting a star outside our solar system). Even the closest of those, Proxima Centauri B, is more than four light-years away – roughly 40 trillion kilometres. With our current technology, it would take more than 73,000 years to travel that distance (not including restroom stops).
Positive Changes
Earth isn’t just our best option, it is our only option. So how can we do our part to affect positive change in our daily lives?
- Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
- Conserve Water
- Plant a Tree
- Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
- Avoid Toxic Chemicals
- Neighborhood Cleanups
- Education
Even small changes on a large scale can make a huge difference.
Earth Quiz
How well do you know your planet? Only one way to find out…
- What is the primary cause of climate change?
- a) Bovine Flatulence
- b) Solar Flares
- c) Human Activities, like burning fossil fuels
- d) Volcanic Activity
- What is the largest ocean on Earth?
- a) The Indian Ocean
- b) The Atlantic Ocean
- c) The Pacific Ocean
- d) The Arctic Ocean
- What is the main component of Earth’s atmosphere?
- a) Oxygen
- b) Carbon Dioxide
- c) Nitrogen
- d) Xenon
- What is the process by which plants make their food?
- a) Photosynthesis
- b) Takeout Delivery
- c) Solar Regeneration
- d) Root Absorption
- Which of these is NOT a renewable energy source?
- a) Solar Power
- b) Wind Power
- c) Coal Power
- d) Hydroelectric Power
- What is the largest land animal on Earth?
- a) Giraffe
- b) Elephant
- c) Hippopotamus
- d) Godzilla
- Which of these is a greenhouse gas?
- a) Oxygen
- b) Helium
- c) Carbon Dioxide
- d) Nitrogen
- What is the main cause of ocean pollution?
- a) Plastic Waste
- b) Seaweed Overgrowth
- c) Coral Contamination
- d) Algae Buildup
- Which of these is NOT a way to reduce your carbon footprint?
- a) Riding a Bike Instead of Driving
- b) Eating Less Meat
- c) Planting Trees
- d) Taking Longer Showers
- What is the Earth’s natural satellite?
- a) Netflix
- b) The Moon
- c) Jupiter
- d) Mars
- What percentage of Earth’s surface is covered by water?
- a) 50%
- b) 70%
- c) 90%
- d) 110%
- Which of these is a renewable resource?
- a) Minerals
- b) Fossil Fuels
- c) Sunlight
- d) Nuclear Fuels
- What is the process of the Earth gradually becoming warmer?
- a) Global Warming
- b) Geothermic Pressurization
- c) Climate Crisis
- d) Hot Flashes
- What is the main source of energy for most living organisms?
- a) Wind
- b) Water
- c) Sunlight
- d) Lightning Bolts
- Which of these is a non-renewable resource?
- a) Wind
- b) Oil
- c) Sunshine
- d) Unicorn Magic
- What is the term for the layer of gases that surround Earth?
- a) Atmosphere
- b) Stratosphere
- c) Air Blanket
- d) Cosmosphere
Quiz Results
After verifying your answers with the Answer Key at the end of the blog, add up your score and see how you ranked. Good luck!
- 0-5 = Earth Tourist
- 6-10 = Nature Advocate
- 11-15 = Environmental Enthusiast
- 16 = Earth Champion
Conclusion
More than anything, Earth Day is an important reminder of our crucial role in protecting the planet. Mostly from ourselves. So let’s use this Earth Day as a catalyst for positive change. Let’s commit to being more mindful of our impact on the planet and to taking steps, big or small, to protect it for future generations.
Together, we can and we must make a difference. Happy Earth Day!
ABM College is a supporter of all businesses that are taking steps towards making our planet healthier. If you want to positively affect real change, check into one of our many online Business Diploma Programs. You can get in touch with one of our helpful advisors or you can check out more exciting industry blogs right here!
Quiz Answer Key
1c, 2c, 3c, 4a, 5c, 6b, 7c, 8a, 9d, 10b, 11b, 12c, 13a, 14c, 15b, 16a
About The Author
Content Editor
Stephen Emond is a published author and a content editor. He has broad experience in content development, copy editing, journalism, marketing, and information technology spanning a variety of industries. He has published a series of best selling historical reference guides covering decades of computer and video gaming history. Stephen is currently working as a Content Editor and Writer at ABM College.