Earth Day Trivia

What is the theme of World Earth Day 2023?

• Invest in our Planet

• End Plastic Pollution

• Ecosystem Restoration

• Time for Nature

Answer explanation

“Invest in our planet” is the theme for Earth Day 2023. As a call for urgent action on climate change, Earth Day 2023 stresses the urgency of ‘acting boldly’, ‘innovating broadly’, and ‘implementing equitably’.

Which day is celebrated as World Earth Day?

• 5 April

• 22 April

• 4 July

• 18 April

Answer explanation

Earth Day takes place on April 22nd. Dedicated to the environment, this event, established in 1970, is nearly 50 years old. To continue the Earth Day tradition, Earth Day Network organizes campaigns around the world that bring together people to solve contemporary environmental problems.

True or False: Deforestation is the second leading cause of global warming in the world.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

Deforestation is the second leading cause of global warming worldwide, and it produces about 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Deforestation in the tropical rainforests contributes more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere than the sum of all cars and trucks that drive on the world’s roads.

How many million tons of plastic are dumped in our oceans every year?

• 2 million tons

• 10 million tons

• 8 million tons

• 100 million tons

Answer explanation

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, at least 8 million tons of plastic is dumped into our oceans each year. That’s the equivalent of dumping one garbage truck full of plastic into the ocean every minute. If nothing is done, this will increase to two garbage trucks a minute by 2030 and four per minute by 2050!

Which land-based ecosystem has the most biodiversity?

• deserts

• tropical rainforests

• the tundra

• grasslands

Answer explanation

Worldwide, the tropics contain the most biodiversity, with rainforests being the areas that are the most rich in species. Although the tropical forests only cover 6% of the Earth’s surface, they contain one half to three quarters of the world’s plant and animal species.

Which of the following is NOT a problem caused by deforestation?

• loss of biodiversity

• hurting the economy

• the harming of many indigenous people

• all of the options are the problems caused by deforestation

Answer explanation

Across the world, forests are home to about 80% of terrestrial biodiversity, while many indigenous people (about 60 million) are completely dependent on the forest for their food and livelihood. Many more people live near forests and rely on them. In terms of the economy, forests provide 75-100 billion US dollars of goods and services every year.

What percent of its plastic does the U.S. recycle?

• 9%

• 35%

• 50%

• 75%

Answer explanation

As of 2019, about 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic has been produced in the U.S. and, of that, less than 9% has been recycled. The scary thing is if current production and management trends continue in the U.S., 12 billion of plastic waste will end up in landfills or the ocean by 2050.

Which of these statements is false?

• Environmental education increases public awareness and knowledge

• Environmental education advocates a particular viewpoint

• Environmental education teaches individuals critical thinking skills

• Environmental education enhances an individual's problem solving and decision making skills

Answer explanation

Environmental education does not advocate a particular viewpoint. Rather, it welcomes all kinds of perspectives to solve environmental issues. However, environmental education should always be fact based. For example, it is factually known that climate change is real and that humans are part of the cause.

True or False: In 2016, the Paris Agreement was signed on Earth Day

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

On Earth Day 2016, 174 countries and the European Union signed the Paris Agreement at the opening ceremony at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Conference of Parties (COP) is an international political response to climate change which began in 1992. COP21, also known as the Paris Climate Conference, brought parties together to achieve a universal goal on climate: keeping global warming below 2° C.

True or False: Earth Day is the one and only day during the year that you should care about the environment and act to protect it.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

This couldn’t be more false. You should always care about the environment and act to protect it. Earth Day just brings together people from across the world in a huge effort to do so.