Law College Dehradun on the occasion of World Ozone Day, organized an insightful national webinar on the theme “Ozone Protection: Restoring Balance and Safeguarding Life,” on 16 September 2025 under the aegis of Vasundhara – The Green Society. The proceedings were ably moderated by Ms. Vidhi Tiwari, executive member.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Rajesh Bahuguna, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean of Law College Dehradun. He greeted the participants joining from across the country and emphasized the critical significance of Ozone Day, highlighting the need for collective environmental responsibility and behavioural changes to preserve this vital shield.
The keynote speaker, Ms. Anuja Bali, a renowned Environmental Behaviour Change Catalyst, began her session by elucidating the nature of Ozone (O3). She drew a crucial distinction between the beneficial stratospheric ozone layer, which protects life from harmful UV-B radiation, and the hazardous ground-level ozone, a pollutant formed from industrial emissions that causes respiratory diseases like asthma. She provided a detailed account of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), including Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from refrigerants, Halons used in fire extinguishers, and noted that Nitrous Oxide (N2O) remains the largest uncontrolled contributor. She elaborated on the impacts of depletion, such as increased risks of skin cancer and cataracts in humans, reduced photosynthesis in plants, and the disruption of marine ecosystems.
She then traced the history of successful international actions, from the 1985 discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole to the landmark 1987 Montreal Protocol. Citing this treaty’s success, she noted the ozone layer is expected to recover by 2050-2065 and concluded with a powerful call to apply the same collaborative spirit to combat climate change. The webinar concluded with a Q&A session and a vote of thanks by Prof. Dr. Lakshmi Priya Vinjamuri, Chairperson Vasundhara- The Green Society.
