By; MATTHEW UKACHUNWA, Lagos
New free online teacher toolkits and lesson plans based on the success of UNEP’s Ozone Secretariat’s Reset Earth animation and video gameTargeting Tweens has been launched by United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).
The toolkit was developed by adopting animation and gamification to create innovative online lessons to raise awareness on ozone layer and environmental protection
The toolkit is available online in digital and print format for universal access, UNEP said in a news release issued on 24th January 2022.
“In support of World Education Day and teachers looking for new material on environmental awareness and protection, the United Nations Environment Programme’s Ozone Secretariat has tapped into animation and gamification to develop innovative teacher lesson plans and student workbooks,” the UN agency on environmental protection wrote in the news statement titled: “UNEP Launches Free Teaching Kits on Ozone Layer and Environmental Protection.”
The free teaching toolkit targetedteens (8-12-year-olds) and used the Reset Earth short animations and storylines, the protagonists Knox, Terran and Sagan to bring the story of how the ozone layer was saved to life.
“The toolkits are available online and free of charge on the Ozone Secretariat’s education platform.
“Specifically designed to cater for the increased demand in quality and innovative virtual learning material, the toolkits have also been adapted for print and the episodes are available in a comic format for universal access, UNEP explained.
According to UNEP, the first phase of the toolkits aims to provide a springboard into environmental science to help educate, raise awareness and inspire action among young people about the importance of the ozone layer, and the continued need to protect it.
It said phase II targeting teenagers is under development and will be launched soon.
“I cannot stress the importance of continued ozone layer protection and the story of the Montreal Protocol enough in this time of an acute climate crisis,” the Ozone Secretariat’s Executive Secretary, Meg Seki, said. “It is a story of hope for our younger generation. It is also a reminder to us all to strive for global cooperation and partnership to build and implement global environmental policies based on science.”
UNEP said the ozone layer is an invisible shield that exists 15-35 km above the Earth’s surface in the stratosphere, protecting humans, animals, plants and vital ecosystems from harmful UV (ultra violet) radiation.
“In the 1980s, UNEP clarified, scientists discovered a huge hole in the ozone layer, caused by chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) emissions. This man-made chemical was utilized in many products –aerosol cans, fridges, air conditioners, insulating foams, fire extinguishers, solvents and many other products.
“Alerted by scientists, world leaders and policy makers worked together, taking urgent steps to control and phase out CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances globally. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was adopted in 1987.
“Since then, it has been universally endorsed by 197 nations and the European Union, making it one of the most successful environmental treaties of all time. Phasing out ozone depleting substances have also contributed significantly to curbing climate change because those substances are highly potent greenhouse gases.”
UNEP said that restoring the damaged ozone layer and returning it to pre-1980 levels will take decades.
“It will require constant vigilance and protection by the Montreal Protocol community and generations to come.
“The environmental challenges that the next generation of young people Facebook are many. But the story of the ozone layer and the global collaboration to protect it, is a story of hope.
“The Montreal Protocol is a reminder that when the world comes together in cooperation and partnership, and guided by science, mankind can solve major global crises,” the environmental protection organ of UN explained.
