Each year, a different current issue is selected by the State hosting the North American Envirothon. At the North American, State, and some regional competitions, teams will also be asked to give an oral presentation on the year’s rotating topic.
The 2026 current issue is about non-point source pollution — but what is that? Chemical spills and oil spills can devastate ecosystems quickly if not caught. These are examples of point source pollution, where we can trace the spill back to a single point such as a broken pipe or a specific factory. On the other hand, things like car leaks or exhaust, litter tossed in the street, or even cigarette smoke also contribute to pollution. However, millions of people around the world contribute to this kind of pollution, knowingly or unknowingly. These are examples of non-point source pollution, because while we may be able to trace the effect to a single action, the effect isn’t seen unless tons of people are doing it all over the place. Often, these sources go unnoticed for decades until they begin to cause big problems.
So why does stopping non-point source pollution begin at home? Because we may be contributing to pollution in ways we’ve never considered, from how we wash our clothes, what we flush down the toilet, and how well we maintain our vehicles. Check out the link below for more information on non-point source pollution and its impacts on water resources.
2026 Current Issue Study Resources (external link)
Washington State Envirothon 