World Ozone Day 16th September: Ozone For Life

IITM ENVIS and TERRE Policy Centre organized a unique World Ozone day celebration on the 16th of September. It included speakers from NASA and UNEP , Question and Answers and prizes for the winners of the various competition.

Dr Paul Newman from NASA and Dr Gilbert Bankobeza from UNEP were invited to celebrate 35 years of Ozone layer protection under the theme 'Ozone for life'. In order to unpack the importance of the Montreal Protocol these experts explained to the on line audience, mostly youth,the disastrous future our planet would have faced had the Ozone layer continued to deplete at an alarming rate. The Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer promoted the global action to ban the use of CFCs and other ozone depleting substances . Both experts illustrated the successes under the Protocol which enabled all 196 countries , developing and developed, to comply with the provisions of the Montreal Protocol. 

The existential threats were projected by the scientists in 1970s. That brought humanity together to take collaborative measures against CFCs and other ozone depleting chemicals under the Montreal Protocol.

NASA's Chief Scientist Dr Paul Newman gave an effective presentation on the 'World Avoided' by illustrating the dire changes that a declining ozone layer would have made for our world. The effects of an increasing UV radiation on crop yields would have reduced crop yields by 20% affecting the food security and increase skin cancer rates.

Dr Bankobeza highlighted the legal and compliance mechanisms which enabled global outcomes from the Protocol, differential responsibility agreed by the countries. He claimed that the Montreal protocol is a testament to the fact that a joint commitment by all the countries of the world is indeed possible practical, realistic and actionable. He explained the role of financial mechanism that helped developing countries to comply.

Dr Rajendra Shende who was Head of global OzonAction programme of UNEP and the the Lead Coordinating Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), read part of the message of the UN secretary General on World Ozone Day that highlighted the UNSG observation that if political will prevails, global environment can be protected and degradation can even be reversed.

Some intereesting fascinating questions emerged from the audience. One of the competition held by the organizers was about 'Ask a Scientist' . The best questions were awarded . Dr Newman and Dr Bankobeza were happy to engage to satisfy the the curiosity-riddled young minds.

The prizes distribution for the winners of a Nationwide competition on different themes related to the climate and Ozone , such as essays on the ozone layer and slogans and painting took place to conclude the event.