Overview

The Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana expresses gratitude to you for your
interest in being a part of our ‘Earth Day Jeopardy Challenge’. The aim is to engage
students on pertinent environmental issues in a fun and informative way. Below is a
background on Earth Day and a study guide which will assist the participants in their
preparation. The Agency would not stipulate how the school should select their
participants but would admonished that you stick to the attached rules.

Earth Day 2017’s Campaign is Environmental & Climate Literacy

Education is the foundation for progress. We need to build a global citizenry fluent in
the concepts of climate change and aware of its unprecedented threat to our planet. We
need to empower everyone with the knowledge to inspire action in defense of
environmental protection.

Environmental and climate literacy is the engine not only for creating green voters and
advancing environmental and climate laws and policies but also for accelerating green
technologies and jobs.

A message from the Earth Day Network http://www.earthday.org/earthday/

Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 and is now celebrated in more than 193 countries.
This annual observance is held on April 22 to raise awareness about the environment
and environmental protection. In observance of Earth Day 2017, the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) is gathering its environmental clubs for an Environmental &
Climate Literacy Jeopardy competition. This competition will be hosted in three regions
and will culminate with a Final round in Region 4.

Study Guide

This material is intended to provide students with the core areas and topics that they
should prepare to encounter in the competition.

Some of the topics may have been covered in the school’s curriculum, others have not
(but are important to know), and some are general knowledge and current affairs.

Please note that some of the topics will occur in the preliminary round and some in the
final. Additionally, the category titles in the game will not be the same as those below.
All of the topics will be connected in some way to the Earth Day 2017 theme. Best of
luck!

Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana

The Environmental Protection Agency was established on World Environment Day, June
5, 1996, when the Environmental Protection Act (1996) was passed. The Act mandates
the Agency to oversee the effective management, conservation, protection and
improvement of the environment. It also requires that the Agency takes the necessary
measures to ensure the prevention and control of pollution, assessment of the impact of
economic development on the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources.
The Agency’s work enables Guyana to contribute to global and national environmental
protection and conservation. As part of its work the Agency implements education,
regulation and enforcement programmes and uses partnership and collaborative
approaches to strengthen the impact of its interventions.

The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to “take measures necessary for
effective protection and management of the natural environment, coordination of
conservation programmes, sustainable use of natural resources, assessment of the impact
of development activities on the environment and the integration of appropriate
environmental provisions into development planning”.

The functions of the Agency can be classified broadly as being regulatory, coordinating,
and the promoting of public participation in environmental protection. The Agency also
coordinates the sustainable use and conservation of Guyana’s natural resources.

In carrying out its function to promote the participation of the public in the process of
integrating environmental concerns in the planning for sustainable development the
Agency provides information to the public on environmental development projects, issues
and problems. The public is also made aware of the procedures and processes that are
followed in permitting developments and investigating infringements of the Act.

Our current office is located at Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown.

Natural Resources and the Environment

The natural environment is made up of living and non-living things in our surroundings
and affects our ability to live on earth. The air we breathe, plants, animals, and water
around us are all part of the environment. Scientists have been doing research examining
the ways that people affect the environment. They have found that human activities result
in air, land and water pollution in many cases. This is dangerous to the earth and
ourselves.
An ecosystem describes the interrelationship of the physical environment and organisms.
Plants, animals and microorganisms make up the biotic factors while non-living physical
components, such as water, air and soil, are referred to as abiotic factors. The natural
place where a plant or animal lives provides the conditions that are necessary for their
survival and is called a habitat. The destruction of habitats can lead to the complete loss
of species called extinction. Invasive species, plants or animals that are not native to a
particular area, can be introduced into an area and may compete with those native to the
area.

The environment provides many natural resources that are important for our survival and
economic activity. There are two types of natural resources, renewable and non-
renewable. Renewable resources such as trees, sunlight, air, wind, and water are
replenished naturally. On the other hand, non- renewable resources such as fossil fuels
(petroleum) and minerals, may form slowly or do not form naturally in the environment.
When we take resources from the environment through mining, hunting, oil drilling and
forestry, we call this process extraction.

In recent times, countries all over the world have been talking about resource
management, conservation, and sustainable development to sustain natural resources.
Natural resources provide many services for humans including food, water, energy,
medicines, minerals and other raw materials. Conservation deals with using resources
wisely to maintain the health of the natural world. When resources are managed wisely,
there will be enough to meet the needs of the current generation without compromising
the needs of future generations. This is referred to as sustainable development.

Water

Water is a very important natural resource and is vital for human existence and all
ecosystems on earth. It aids in the fulfillment of basic human needs, socio-economic
development and poverty reduction. Water is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one
oxygen atom and has the chemical formula H2O. Water circulates between the earth's
oceans, atmosphere, and land, involving precipitation as rain and snow, drainage in
streams and rivers, and return to the atmosphere by evaporation and transpiration in a
process called the water cycle.

It covers approximately 75% of the earth’s surface. 75% of the human brain is water. 70%
of the human body is water. 75% of a living tree is water. A person can live about a month
without food, but only about a week without water. Nearly 97% of the world’s water is
salty or otherwise undrinkable and 3% is freshwater. Out of the 3%, 2% is locked in ice
caps and glaciers. That leaves just 1% for all of humanity’s needs — all its agricultural,
residential, manufacturing, community, and personal needs. The world’s population
reached a landmark figure of 7 billion in 2011/ 2012! The world’s water is needed by 7
billion people. We will not get any more, so we need to protect the water we have. A
desalination plant is a useful technology that can be used to remove salt from water but it
is expensive and uses up a lot of energy.

Did you know that we flush almost a quarter of the water we use down the toilet? Every
time we flush an old fashioned toilet we can expel up to seven (7) gallons of water. Newer
models have water conservation mechanisms. It is very important to conserve water
because we cannot survive without it. To conserve water we can check faucets and pipes
for leaks; install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators; take shorter
showers; turn off the water after you wet your toothbrush; use your dishwasher and
clothes washer for only full loads; construct ponds and wells; and practice rainwater
harvesting.

Interesting River Facts

All rivers start at the highest point in an area. As the river flows downstream, it gains more
water from other streams, rivers, springs, added rainfall, and other water sources.
A river is freshwater flowing across the surface of the land, usually to the sea. Rivers flow
in channels. The bottom of the channel is called the bed and the sides of the channel are
called the banks. Rivers begin at their source in higher ground such as mountains or hills,
where rain water or melting snow collects and forms tiny streams. The great majority of
rivers eventually flow into a larger body of water, like an ocean, sea, or large lake. The end
of the river is called the mouth. Most settlements were built along major rivers. Rivers
provide us with food, energy, recreation, transportation routes, and of course water for
irrigation and for drinking.

Did you know?

 The longest river in the world is the Nile River, it reaches around 6650 kilometers
in length (4132 miles). More Nile River facts.
 The second longest river in the world is the Amazon River, it reaches around 6400
kilometres in length (4000 miles). More Amazon River facts.
 Small rivers often have different names which include creek, stream and brook.
 Rivers normally contain freshwater.
 The word upriver (or upstream) refers to the direction of the river’s water source,
while downriver (or downstream) refers to the direction in which the water flows,
i.e. towards the end of the river.
 Rivers have many uses which include fishing, bathing, transport, rafting and
swimming among others.
 The Ganges, Yangtze and Indus rivers are three of the most polluted on Earth.
 The Colorado River travels through the south western United States and north
western Mexico, it is home to the famous Hoover Dam. Some animals can also
build dams across rivers which alter their flow.
 Rivers can be found in outer space; Saturn’s moon has a river of methane
Rocks

Earth’s crust is made of rock, and rock is made of natural substances called minerals.
There are three main types of rock—sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock. Each
type is produced in different ways. The oldest rocks on Earth were formed about 3.8
billion years ago.

Igneous rocks form when magma (molten rock) rises from deep underground and cools
and solidifies at or near Earth’s surface. Igneous or volcanic rock includes granite and
basalt. Over 700 different types of this rocks which makes up 95% of Earth’s crust, have
been identified.

Sedimentary rocks are made of fine rock particles that have been worn away and then
carried by rivers, glaciers, or the wind and collect in lakes and oceans. The tiny fragments
are then compressed (squashed) and cemented together to form sedimentary rock in a
process called lithification. This rock includes sandstone, limestone, and chalk.

Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks are changed underground by great
heat or pressure, or both. When volcanoes erupt and when mountains are formed by the
movement of Earth’s tectonic plates, rocks are heated and squeezed. The minerals in the
rocks are then changed, forming metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic rock includes marble,
slate, and schist.

Rocks are made of natural, nonliving chemical substances called minerals. Some rocks
contain only one mineral. For example, marble is made of the white mineral calcite. Most
rocks, however, contain CRYSTALS of several different minerals.

The Guiana Shield is a 1.7 billion year old geological formation which spans 6 countries
in South America including Guyana. The higher elevations on the shield are called the
Guiana Highlands, which is where the table-like mountains called tepuis are found. The
Guiana Highlands are also the source of some of the world's most spectacular waterfalls
such as Angel Falls, Kaieteur Falls and Kuquenan Falls.

Minerals of Guyana

Some of the most valuable minerals are ores— minerals that contain metals such as gold,
iron, and aluminum. Of these, gold is the most precious because it is soft and easy to work
and does not tarnish. This precious mineral is the main export of Guyana. Bauxite was
first produced in Guyana in 1971. This mineral is the world’s main source of aluminium.
Bauxite in produced in Region 10.

Silica sands, which are widely dispersed in the northeast of Guyana, cover about 5,000
square miles of the country. The white sands are a vast resource of high-purity silica oxide.
In 1993, for the first time, silica sands were exported to the Caribbean region, where their
superior quality as a feedstock for glass manufacture, and as a construction and land fill
material, and as a basic input in golf course development has been recognized.

Other minerals are prized as gemstones. About 50 of the 3,000 minerals found on Earth
are prized as gemstones. Although they may not shine in their natural state, they can be
cut and polished to form sparkling stones. Diamonds, the hardest minerals on Earth, are
made of pure, crystallized carbon and are among the world’s most prized gemstones.

Many gemstones are found in mountainous regions, usually in rocks that have been
subjected to great heat or pressure. They are also found in the sediment on lake and river
beds. Diamonds are often mined from rocks found deep underground.

Fossil fuels, such as coal and petroleum, produce energy. Guyana’s hydrocarbon
(petroleum and natural gas) potential was noted since the 1850s. This mineral occurs
naturally as a liquid and can be refined into various types of fuels.

Minerals are removed from the earth through a process of extraction called mining.
Mining is a very important economic sector in Guyana.

Wildlife and Nature

Many animals can claim to be the biggest or smallest, tallest or tiniest of nature.
Dinosaurs were enormous but the Blue Whale, which is still alive today, is the biggest
animal that has ever lived. Guyana is a country of giants: For example the giant anteater,
the Giant River Otter and the Giant Armadillo are all the largest of their kind. The Harpy
Eagle, also known as the “Flying Wolf” is the largest eagle in Guyana. Guyana is also the
home to the most dangerous animal in the world, the mosquito which infects people with
Yellow Fever, Malaria, Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya diseases, all of which sometimes
prove fatal. Guyana is also home to the largest water lily in the world, the flat-leaved
Victoria Regia. This water lily also happens to be our national flower. The Arapaima fish
is so big and strong it can leap out of the water to catch small birds that are sitting on
branches. This fish is so famous that in November of each year people come from all over
the world to attend the Fish Fest in Rockstone, hoping for a chance to see an Arapaima.
The animal with the most teeth is not the shark, which has at least 5 rows of teeth, it is
the snail which has hundreds of soft teeth…don’t worry they can’t bite people.

Guyana has many interesting natural areas. The coast and rivers are covered with
mangroves, wetland trees which protect the coast from erosion by waves. Mangroves also
provide a place for birds and fish to live. Other wetlands in Guyana include forests and
swamps which are home to many plant and animal species.

Kaieteur National Park was the first National park, designated almost 100 years ago in
1929 and is a protected area. Other protected areas are Shell Beach, Kanuku Mountains,
Iwokrama Forest Reserve and Konashen. Roraima Mountain is the tallest mountain in
Guyana. The national park in Georgetown has a pond with manatees swimming in it.

There are also protected animals in Guyana. Some are classified as threatened, vulnerable
or endangered (numbers are so low that they face extinction). All of the wildcats in
Guyana are protected, for example, Jaguars, pumas, margay, and ocelot.

An international treaty known as CITES governs wildlife trade. In Guyana, the Wildlife
Authority has the oversight of wildlife trade.

Refer to the brochures on Protected Areas and Wildlife.

Trees

Approximately 87% of Guyana’s land is covered by forest. Trees help to store carbon
dioxide and keep it out of the atmosphere where excess levels can cause global warming
(see section on climate change). Most trees have green foliage just like the colour used to
describe actions which are environmentally friendly. Trees hold many prized tree species
in addition to other wildlife. Guyana is well known for it hardwood trees that are used
locally and internationally for many purposes. There are also many fruit trees and trees
of medicinal value. It is therefore important to protect nature’s blessings to us. Here are
a few of them:
 The Demerara Greenheart is an evergreen found mostly in Guyana and Suriname and
is prized for its high strength properties. It has high resistance to marine insects, fungi
and termites (wood ants) and is thus preferred wherever durability, strength and good
wearing qualities are essential.
 The Wallaba is another popular hardwood species. Like other legumes, it fixes its own
nitrogen, and its heart is commonly used locally for paling posts and light (lantern)
posts. Wallaba heartwood is red-brown in color, with dark gum streaks which tend to
spread over the surface.
 The Brazil nut tree is among the amazon rainforest giants and bears baseball sized,
high-protein fruit (nut) used by forest people and animals alike. This tree is classified
as vulnerable according to the Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations
2013. Therefore, even though it produces timber of excellent quality, it is illegal to
harvest it.
 The coconut tree is a large palm with long pinnate leaves. The tried yields large fruits
with a long range of uses from food to cosmetics. The fruit holds a refreshing drink
and when mature can be processed for oil, milk and soaps. Its leaves and fruit husks
can also be used decorating and furnishing.
 Cinchona are large shrubs or small trees with evergreen foliage. Its bark is stripped
from the tree, dried, and powdered for medicinal uses. It contains a compound called
quinine which is used to treat malaria. This ancient medicine was used to treat early
explorers and native people who contracted malaria from the bites of mosquitoes. The
compound is still recommended to treat the disease today.
Energy

Energy is the power needed to move or do something. For animals, energy is supplied by
the food we eat. For plants, the sun provides energy which is converted into food. For
machines and electricity, energy must be generated. There are two main categories of
energy: renewable and non-renewable. Renewable energy is generated by natural forces
that can be continually replenished within a short amount of time. Sources of renewable
energy include sunlight, wind, rain, waves, tides, flowing water and geothermal. We
capture the power of sunlight through solar panels that absorb the sun’s energy. Wind is
used by windmills or wind turbines that turn in the wind and create energy through their
action. The energy from movement of water can also be captured by waterwheels,
hydroelectric dams and tidal turbines. Geothermal energy is the power available from the
earth’s heat, either from natural hot water or molten rock.

Non-renewable energy is generated from sources that are limited or that will not replenish
themselves within our lifetime, or for numerous generations. Most non-renewable energy
comes from gas and oil (fossil fuels). It was recently discovered that Guyana has a large
oil field, called the Stabroek Block, in the waters offshore which when drilled will yield at
least 1 billion barrels of oil.

In general, fossil fuels causes more air and sometimes water pollution than renewable
sources, so whenever possible renewable energy should be used.

In our homes and villages we pay for the energy that heats our food, pumps our water,
powers our lights and fuels our cars. We can save both energy and money by conserving
energy every day. Ways to conserve energy include turning off lights and unplugging
electrical cords when we are not using them, turning off the tap when we are not using
water, walking or riding bicycles when traveling short distances, carpooling, turning off
the car when it is not moving, cutting food into small pieces so that it cooks faster and
turning off fans and air conditioners when nobody is in the room. You can usually find
the wattage of most appliances stamped on the bottom or back of the
appliance, or on its nameplate. For example 100 Watts or 2000 Watts.
The wattage listed is the maximum power drawn by the appliance.
Appliances such as refrigerators, washers and computers that have
energy star labels use less energy than other appliances. Always look
for the energy star label when purchasing new appliances.

Climate Change

Earth's average temperature has risen by 1.5°F over the past century, and is projected to
rise another 0.5 to 8.6°F over the next hundred years. Climate Change is a big
environmental issue caused by global warming or an increase in temperature of the
earth’s atmosphere. This is happening because there is an increase in the amount of
greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere. It is believed that the rise of the Industrial
revolution beginning around 1760, contributed to the increase of greenhouse gases.
Naturally, greenhouse gases act as a blanket around the earth, trapping energy in the
atmosphere and causing it to warm. This is referred to as the greenhouse effect and is
necessary to sustain life on earth.

However, increases in greenhouse gases, e.g. Carbon dioxide, Methane, Nitrous oxides
and Chloroflourocarbons, in turn increases the greenhouse effect. Humans are largely
responsible for recent climate change. Human activities which cause environmental
pollution resulting in climate change are referred to as anthropogenic. Excessive use of
fossil fuels for transportation, factories and industries; and deforestation for lumber and
clearing for settlements and farmland is responsible for the release of greater amounts of
carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Fertilisers and pesticides used for agriculture are
the main causes of Nitrous oxides (N2O) emissions.

Climate change is having big negative impacts on the health and livelihoods of people
around the world. Severe weather is being experienced more often in many countries. For
example, droughts and floods often result in loss of crops, livestock and even human life;
also roads and buildings are damaged. Here in Guyana our low-lying coast is under the
threat of sea-level rise which is another effect of global warming. In 2005, Guyana
suffered the highest rainfall in decades and suffered the worst flooding in its history. In
2010, former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, was awarded ‘Champion of the Earth’ by the
United Nations for efforts to conserve Guyana’s forest in the fight against climate change.
Refer to the LCDS brochure to learn about what Guyana is doing about climate change.
We can reduce the risks we will face from climate change by making choices that reduce
greenhouse gas pollution, and preparing for the changes that are already underway.

To counter the rate of climate change countries around the world are taking several steps.
More and more countries are changing from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such
as geothermal energy (energy from inside the earth’s surface), solar (energy from the sun),
wind and hydro power (energy from water). Energy efficient designs are also being used
for electrical appliances and buildings. Public transport is also becoming more fuel
efficient and reliable in many parts of the world. This is to encourage people to travel more
by buses and trains rather than by cars. Organic matter is being used to produce fuel called
biofuel to limit the use of fossil fuels.

In agriculture, technology is being developed to use less water, energy, fertilisers and
pesticides e.g. organic farming. Because water resources are also being affected by climate
change, countries are also turning to more water efficient technology in homes, factories
and field. More effective waste management is also being done in many countries through
reduction and recycling.
You can take action. You can take steps at home, on the road, and in your office to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and the risks associated with climate change. Many of these
steps can save you money; some, such as walking or biking to work, can even improve
your health! Carpooling is an easy way to save energy where persons can choose to ride
together in a single vehicle rather than separate vehicles. You can also get involved on a
local or state level to support energy efficiency, clean energy programs, or other climate
programs.

Solid Waste Management

According to Britannica, “Solid-waste management, the collecting, treating, and

disposing of solid material that is discarded because it has served its purpose or is no
longer useful. Improper disposal of municipal solid waste can create unsanitary
conditions, and these conditions in turn can lead to pollution of the environment and to
outbreaks of vector-borne disease—that is, diseases spread by rodents and insects.”

Solid waste or garbage has been an issue since people have been living in residential areas
and settlements. The creation of solid waste is a negative effect of industrialization. Solid
waste management (SWM) is important in finding ways to minimize waste or to convert
waste into valuable products. Some types of waste include residential, industrial,
agricultural, biomedical, commercial, institutional, municipal and construction waste.

Even though people clean their homes and offices, they litter their surroundings.
Improper waste disposal can create numerous problems for people and the environment.
Improper dumping of waste can result in biodegradable waste rotting under improper,
unhygienic and uncontrolled conditions producing foul odour and a breeding ground for
disease-causing insects and infectious organisms. It also spoils the aesthetic value of the
area. Other waste may produce toxic chemicals which can seep into soil and pollute
ground water, and may be hazardous to health.

Waste that breaks down naturally in the environment in a short time is said to be
biodegradable (e.g. fruits and vegetables, natural fibres, manure, sewage). Non-
biodegradable waste (e.g. most plastics) poses a great threat to the environment since it
may soon overwhelm landfills, the most popular solid waste disposal method used today.
The most desirable form of SWM is to reduce waste in the first place followed by reusing,
recycling, recovery, and least desirable landfilling.

Reduce is one of the three R’s of SWM – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

If we use only what we need we will produce less waste. Reusing
items, like a water bottle for a juice bottle, or rechargeable
batteries, can also reduce waste. Whenever we purchase items
we should try our best to look for biodegradable products, for
example those that are paper-based. We can also purchase items
with less packaging so we have fewer things to throw away. Reusing
is also sometimes called repurposing.
Recycling involves the breaking down of waste products to form new products, like using
office paper to make toilet paper or plastic bags to make clothing. We can recycle organic
matter like kitchen waste to form nutrient-rich fertilizer in a process called composting.
A creative way of reusing discarded objects or material to get something of higher value
is called upcycling, e.g. concerting old CDs to coasters. The opposite of this is downcycling
which involves converting valuable products into low-value raw materials, e.g. converting
clothes to rags. In Guyana, the most recycled product is cardboard, so you can think twice
before you throw some out again.

The EPA uses the Environmental Protection (Litter Enforcement) Regulations 2013, to
stop people from littering. If an individual or business/ company is found littering in a
public place the fine is $50, 000 and $100, 000 respectively. If drivers of public
transportation do not have a receptacle they can be fined $15, 000. More details on the
Regulations is attached.

Do your best to keep your environment clean, dispose of your garbage properly. Don’t be
a litterbug.

Amerindian Culture
Amerindians were the original peoples of Guyana, living here long before the Europeans
arrived. Originally there were at least 15 distinct groups but currently there are only 9
tribes left. Early Amerindians carved pictures into rocks to record their lives. These are
called petroglyphs and they are from 3000-5000 years old. One of the main sites for petro
glyphs is Aishalton in the Rupununi where more than 650 pictures have been discovered.
The leader of an Amerindian community is called the Toshao. The spiritual leader and
traditional healer is called the Shaman. There are many legends in the various tribes
which have been passed down through many generations. One legendary character is
Kanaima who was a powerful assassin who could change himself into animal form.
Amerindians have many traditional crafts including making baskets from local plants and
sculptures from the gum of the Balata tree. EPA has a long history working with
Amerindian groups including the community of Santa Rosa which formed the first
environmental club.

Environmental Observances

Every year, many environmental observances like Earth day are celebrated around the
world. Here are some of them:

1. World Wetlands Day 7. World Environment Day

2. World Wildlife Day 8. World Day to Combat
3. World Health Day Desertification and Drought
4. International Day of Forests 9. World Oceans Day
5. World Water Day 10. International Day for the
6. International Day for Biological Preservation of the Ozone Layer
Diversity
 11. International Day for Disaster 13. World Food Day
Reduction 14. World Habitat Day
12. International Coastal Cleanup

See these links for the dates celebrated and the focus of the events.

http://www.ramsar.org/activity/world-wetlands-day
http://www.un.org/en/sections/observances/international-days/index.html

http://www.oceanconservancy.org/our-work/international-coastal-
cleanup/?referrer=https://www.google.gy/

Attached: 1. LCDS Brochure

2. Protected Areas Brochure

3. Wildlife Brochure

4. Environmental Protection (Litter Enforcement Regulations)

2013

5. Jeopardy Rules