[Themetic Report] Problem Definition and Solution – Air Pollution 

Hello Fellow ambassadors, I have selected the Problem of Pollution for this report. My activity pertains to pre lock-down times when there were outdoor activities and conservation & preservation of environment could be demonstrated to the people so that motivation & encouragement towards solution to the problem may be achieved. During the current times I feel that we must live the past again & again and try to revive the times when our hard work was visible outdoors.

Definition – Air pollution refers to any physical, chemical or biological change in the air. It is the contamination of air by harmful gases, dust and smoke which affects the plants, animals, and humans drastically [Quoted by byjus.com] . As per Oxford Dictionary, Air Pollution, noun, the presence in or introduction into the air of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.

"diesel exhaust and other forms of air pollution"

Solution - I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow. If the eco-conservation habits are inculcated in their young minds they will carry the same to their youth. They are suffering from environmental degradation today & in the future when they become the torch bearers of national economy this will make sure that our future is in safe hands.

Considering this in mind and in order to raise public awareness about rising Air – Pollution levels in the UAE, in collaboration with Bee’ah, our group ‘Serve the Earth’ has organized one creative walk and two competitive events on 07-Jan-17 in the vicinity of Al Noor Mosque, Sharjah. 

The WRAPS [Walk to Reduce Air-pollution Silently] was the most creative part of this event happened first time in this country. There were over 150 persons, majority of them children wearing masks holding placards stating the ill effects of Air – Pollution and their remedies walking silently. The slogans were creative as well as powerful. The message was loud to grab attention. People, joggers [as the event happened early in the morning], worshippers, car drivers and families all looked in awe towards our gathering. They waved at us, clicked pictures & talked about this unique walk. Usually people shout slogans in walks in order to grab attention. To the contrary, the silent walk created more powerful impact this morning.

The competition to collect and deposit e-waste was also organized in the morning. It was dubbed as e-cyclethon. The second competitive event was to design a placard on reducing Air – Pollution.

There was overwhelming response to the event and it was swarmed by over 150 participants. The e-waste collection comprised of Computers and peripherals, Mobile phones, Ceiling Fans, Microwaves, Transformers, Printers, Water dispensers, Wires, Batteries and what not. The list is too long to mention. But here, I would like to proudly state that collective e-waste collection of today saved the carbon footprint to the extent of 140,794 co2e/kgs. A whooping amount of saving out of a single event collection. All this was duly taken away by Bee’ah workers to their recycling yards. It was thus handed over to safe hands instead of dumping in landfills. The winners were selected over the basis of highest co2e/kg savings by their contribution. It was organised next to the e-waste bin provided by Bee’ah and we raised awareness about depositing e-waste at this designated place, henceforth. 

The placard competition was divided into two sections Junior & Senior category. In both, the children were highly creative in showing their talent. The creativity was the winner selection criterion in this competition. The Environmental In-Charge of my school Delhi Private School, Sharjah Mrs. Anjum Hasan stated to the young participants, “Kill it before it kills you! Air – Pollution a silent killer.”

In order to spread awareness in the community I wish to share this event so that people are encouraged to reduce Air – Pollution through their collective efforts & make this Earth a greener place to live as this is the only planet for us to survive.