International Day for Preservation of Ozone Layer 16 September 2020 Image Source: https://sfxstl.org/circleofcreation What is Ozone layer? A layer in the atmosphere of Earth that protects us from harmful UV rays from the Sun. It’s responsible for preserving life on the planet! What is happening? The ozone layer has begun to deplete because of harmful chemical substances and gases. This problem is not only contributing to global warming and climate change, but also allowing the dangerous radiation from the sun to affect human beings and ecosystems! Source: https://www.un.org/en/events/ozoneday/ What is causing its depletion? ● Human activities are the biggest cause of the ozone layer depletion ● When we burn coal, natural gas and other fuels for electricity, they release harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, etc that spread into the atmosphere and surround us like a blanket ● These harmful gases, called greenhouse gases, trap heat and radiation from the sun, which is causing the depletion as well as global warming. Clorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are found in ACs and halogens, are other harmful greenhouse gases. Sources: https://e360.yale.edu/features/geoengineer-the-planet-more-scientists-now-say-it-must-be-an-option https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/ozone-hole-and-global-warming What can we do? Some things we can do to reduce our contribution to ozone layer depletion are: 1. Minimize use of cars. 2. Maintain your ACs regularly. 3. Avoid using products that are harmful to the environment and to us. 4. Buy local products which are more eco- friendly. Image Source: https://www.techexplorist.com/earth-atmosphere-ringing-like-bell/33689/ https://nuttyscientists.com/blog/5-ways-to-protect-the-ozone-layer/ https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/car-air-pollution-raster-in-cartoon-vector-26847122 Activity: POSTER MAKING ! • Find 3 appliances in your household that you think emit harmful gases into the environment. • Make a poster using the slogan ‘Say no to…. !’ • Mention alternative ways to reduce the use of appliance! • Click a picture • Share with us and your friends to spread awareness on Ozone depletion Image Source: https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2829/greenhouse-gas-detergent-recycles-itself-in-atmosphere-nasa-study/ Submit your entries at: https://www.teriin.org/olympiad/children.php And win a chance to be featured on our GREEN Olympiad website! Image Source: https://sfxstl.org/circleofcreation.