Cyclothon flagged off in Coimbatore to raise awareness on protection of Ozone Layer on World Ozone Day

Coimbatore: A cyclothon was flagged off in the city on Thursday, to mark World Ozone Day and to raise awareness on the preservation of the ozone layer. The ‘Cyclathon’ was hosted on behalf of the ENVIS Centre on Forest Genetic Resources and Tree Improvement at the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding in Coimbatore.

Dr. Kannan C S Warrier, Senior Principal Scientist and ENVIS Coordinator in his address stated, "The Montreal Protocol which is a global agreement to protect the ozone layer has been successfully executed and has slowed down climate change. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is an international agreement to gradually reduce the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons."

IFGTB Director, Dr. C Kunhikannan flagged off the cycle rally. He stated the importance of protecting the ozone layer from depletion since it is a key layer that keeps the earth from global warming and helps protect vegetation. “40 years ago, scientists warned that a hole in the layer of ozone surrounding the earth could have serious effects on human health and the environment. But through domestic and international action, the ozone layer is now healing and should fully recover by about 2065," he reassured.

Dr. C Kunhikannan appealed to every citizen to play their part in protecting the ozone layer by initiating any plan of action that would serve to protect the environment. People from all walks of life participated in the cycle rally. Certificates were awarded to all the participants. An awareness poster highlighting the importance of ozone was released during the event. A copy of the awareness poster was sent electronically to various stakeholders. Envis Senior Project Officer, Dr. S Vigneswaran proposed the vote of thanks.

The initiative was also lauded by the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.