Community Science Programme on Clean Air by Dr. Sushil Kumar Dash on 22 December 2022

This talk was arranged by Ramjas International School, R.K. Puram Sector 4, New Delhi in collaboration with Earthwatch Institute and ERICSSON. The event happened in the presence of the Principal Ms. Richa Sharma and CEO Earthwatch India Mr.Raghuvansh Saxena. About 150 students attended this popular science event on air pollution. The lecture started with the discussion on the changes occurring in our environments due to natural process and due to our own activities. Examples of air pollutants in the atmosphere and the weather extremes were given. Emphasis was given on the changes occurring in our surroundings due to our own activities and how we should be concerned about those. It was explained that the studies of Climate change and Air pollution are interconnected. The Physics behind the Greenhouse Gases and the global warming was explained in simple language. The Air Quality Index (AQI) now-a-days used everywhere was also explained. Basically this index is calculated using five major air pollutants such as Ground-level ozone, Particle pollution/particulate matter (PM2.5/pm 10), Carbon Monoxide, Sulfur dioxide and Nitrogen dioxide. Significance of different status of air pollution such as Good, Satisfactory, Moderate, Poor, Very Poor and Severe was explained to the students. Finally, it was pointed out that every person has some role to play in combating climate change and simple behavioral changes were suggested such as Not burning garbage, Limiting backyards fire. Caring plants and planting trees, Using less energy, Driving car less, Keeping car in good repair. The School Innovation Council was also inaugurated on this occasion and prizes were distributed to the students.