World Environment Day Quiz 2019

World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated each year on 5 June to raise awareness and encourage collective action for the protection of our planet. In 2019, the theme was Beat Plastic Pollution. The quiz that accompanied the celebrations tested knowledge on environmental issues, Indian biodiversity, global initiatives and the specific focus on plastic waste.

How to Use This Page

Below you will find the most frequently asked quiz questions from the 2019 competition together with clear, concise answers. Use this as a study guide, a quick reference for teachers, or a fun activity for friends and family.

1. What was the official theme of World Environment Day 2019?

Answer: Beat Plastic Pollution. The theme emphasized the need to reduce plastic waste, promote recycling, and develop alternatives to singleuse plastics.

2. Which organization launched the Beat Plastic Pollution campaign?

Answer: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other NGOs.

3. According to UNEP, how many tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans each year?

Answer: Approximately 8 million tonnes of plastic waste are estimated to flow into the oceans annually.

4. Name two major impacts of plastic pollution on marine life.

Answer:

1. Ingestion of plastic fragments leading to starvation or internal injuries.
2. Entanglement in fishing nets and other debris, causing injury or death.

5. Which Indian city hosted the World Environment Day celebrations in 2019?

Answer: Bengaluru (Bangalore). The city organized a series of events, cleanup drives and educational workshops.

6. What is the Zero Plastic initiative?

Answer: A movement encouraging individuals, businesses and governments to eliminate the use of disposable plastic items, replace them with reusable alternatives, and promote proper waste management.

7. Which Indian law regulates plastic bag usage?

Answer: The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (amended in 2018), which bans the manufacture, sale and use of singleuse plastic bags below a specified thickness.

8. Approximate percentage of global plastic that is recycled?

Answer: Only about 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled.

9. What is microplastic?

Answer: Plastic particles smaller than 5mm that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items or are manufactured directly for use in cosmetics, cleaning agents, etc.

10. Give two examples of alternative materials to replace singleuse plastic.

Answer:

• Biodegradable plantbased polymers (e.g., polylactic acid).
• Reusable cloth or metal bags.

11. Which global treaty aims to reduce marine plastic debris?

Answer: The Global Partnership on Marine Litter coordinated by UNEP, which brings together governments, NGOs and the private sector.

12. How many species are estimated to be threatened by plastic pollution?

Answer: Over 700 marine species are listed as threatened or endangered due to plastic ingestion or habitat disruption.

13. What simple action can students take at school to help beat plastic pollution?

Answer: Organize a plasticfree lunch day where everyone brings food in reusable containers and avoids disposable cutlery.

14. Which Indian organization launched Plastic Free India?

Answer: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

15. In 2019, which world leader highlighted the need for a circular economy?

Answer: French President Emmanuel Macron, during the UNEP conference on Towards a Circular Economy.

Tips for Preparing for Future Quizzes

• Read the latest UNEP reports on plastic waste and marine litter.
• Familiarize yourself with national regulations (e.g., Plastic Waste Management Rules in India).
• Stay updated on innovative alternatives biodegradable polymers, reusable packaging, and upcycling projects.
• Practice answering in short, factual sentences many quiz formats award points for accuracy and brevity.
• Join local cleanup drives; realworld experience often appears in question banks.

All information reflects data available up to 2019. For the most recent statistics and policies, refer to the latest UNEP publications and your national environment ministrys releases.