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Science World, April 10, 2000 by Miguel Vilar, Nicole Dyer, Mona Chiang

Science World's seventh Environmental Almanac focuses on the U.S. The issue also coincides with the 30th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2000.

For the first time in Earth Day's history, chairman Leonardo DiCaprio and 3,200 organizations from 167 countries will zero in on a single issue: global warming, the heating of the planet's climate due in part to increased waste gases in the atmosphere.

Signals of global warming include melting polar ice caps, slowly rising sea levels, and more endangered plant and animal species.

"I personally feel this is the most highly ignored, yet important issue facing the world today," says DiCaprio. This year's Earth Day theme: Clean Energy Now!

DiCaprio will kick off Earth Day 2000 at the Mall in Washington, D.C. Environmental events are planned for an entire month worldwide, including car-free days in some cities!

Are you ready to do your part?

To learn how, go to www.earthday.net

RELATED ARTICLE: Quiz

How Much Do You Know?

Scientists help measure the state of Earth's environment by gathering statistics on issues from energy use to endangered species. They use "enviro-stats" to size up problems and devise solutions. Do you know some "numbers" that impact your life? Read each question below and circle the correct answer.

1 Since 1970, global use of energy (coal and
natural gas, for example) has increased by

a) 50%
b) 60%
c) 70%

2 The average American uses this amount of
paper each year:

a) 233 lbs
b) 700 lbs
c) 550 lbs

3 How much recycled paper does it take to
save 3 cubic yards of landfill space?

a) 500 lbs
b) 400 lbs
c) one ton

4 Leaving tap water running while brushing your
teeth may waste this amount of water:

a) 3 gallons
b) 5 gallons
c) 7 gallons

5 Using a gas-powered lawnmower for one hour
produces as many harmful gas emissions as
driving a car for

a) 25 hours
b) 50 hours
c) 75 hours

6 Your family car may emit this much carbon
dioxide each year:

a) 4,000 lbs
b) 8,000 lbs
c) 12,000 lbs

7 Global pesticide use has increased by 30
times since 1945. Now, the world uses this
much per year:

a) 3 million lbs
b) 4.1 billion lbs
c) 5 billion lbs

8 Of 28 commonly used pesticides, how many
are believed to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing)?

a) 14
b) 23
c) 28

9 Each hour, the average number of species
that go extinct is:

a) 1
b) 3
c) 6