World Ozone Day

              World Ozone Day.

World Ozone Day, also known as International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, is observed every year on 16 September. This day is an opportunity to focus global attention and action on this vital environmental issue.

The ozone layer is a fragile shield of gas that protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet.

The United Nations General Assembly, in 1994, declared 16 September as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer/ World Ozone Day. This day marks the signing of Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer, in 1987.

This year, the theme of World Ozone Day is 'Montreal Protocol – keeping us, our food and vaccines cool'. According to UN's website, this year’s World Ozone Day seeks to highlight, the Montreal Protocol does so much more – such as slowing climate change and helping to boost energy efficiency in the cooling sector, which contributes to food security.

World Ozone Day plays a significant role in highlighting the steps to protect the ozone layer. Moreover, it spreads awareness about the importance of ozone layer and steps that should be taken to preserve it.

We all know that ozone protects us from UV rays coming from the sun. In 1957, Professor Gordon Dobson of Oxford University discovered the ozone layer. Ozone is made up of three atoms of oxygen. It is a highly reactive gas and is represented by O3. It occurs naturally as well as a man-made product in the Earth's upper atmosphere,i.e. stratosphere and lower atmosphere,i.e. troposphere. That is the Ozone layer is present in Earth`s atmosphere (15-35km above Earth) in the lower portion of the stratosphere and has relatively high concentrations of ozone (O3). Naturally, it is formed through the interactions of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation with molecular oxygen O2. It reduces the harmful UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface.

But at the ground level ozone is considered a major air pollutant. We all know that ozone protects us from harmful UV radiation but ozone at ground level is dangerous and causes pollution. Due to human activities, the ozone layer is getting depleted on the planet which could be very disastrous. It also causes photochemical smog and acid rain.

Ozone is responsible for shielding the UV rays from the sun; its depletion may cause severe health hazards. Ozone depletion also impacts the environment adversely by altering the life cycles of plants and disrupting the food chain. Microscopic organisms such as plankton may not survive hence animals dependent on planktons will also not be able to survive. The depletion of the ozone layer may result in a change in wind pattern, leading to global warming hence resulting in climatic changes all over the world.

• Use of products which has Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) such as hair sprays fresheners, cosmetics, and aerosol in plastic containers should be avoided.
• Promote activities such as tree planting and backyard gardening.
• Use Environmental-friendly fertilisers.
• Prevent excessive smoke emission from your vehicle which causes air pollution. Save on gasoline and crude oil by regular maintenance.
• Do not burn plastics and rubber tires.

Therefore, World Ozone Day is observed on September 16  to spread awareness about the harmful effects of Ozone depletion and ways to find out preventive measures.

As part of world Ozone Day we, the Physical science students had decided t celebrate this day by arranging a digital poster making competition and a webinar.

The webinar was arranged at 7pm through Google meet platform. Our resource person is Mr. Ajaykumar. V,Head master of GUPS Vellimon.

The programme was so interesting and emotional because our optional teacher Mrs. Saija  S R was transferred to another College . So we gave a sent off to our teacher. We miss our teacher a lot....