WHY I LOVE YOUH ??

'You are what I never knew I always wanted'

How you love me like no other.

The way you always look deep into my eyes.

The way you look at me when I get all dressed up.

The way you are not scared to defend me.

The way you care about me and protect me from everything.

How you put me before everyone, before even friends.

How you would do anything to satisfy me.

The way you tell me about your feelings and never get afraid to share anything.

How we both get along so very well.

The way you make me feel like I am special.

The way you make sure that I have everything I want and need.

How you give me inspiration in everything I do.

How you always watch out for me.

The way you stare at me as if I am the most beautiful women in the world !

How you try to keep me as yours.

The way you make me forget all sadness.

The way you make me feel proud.

How you never get mad at me.

The way you understand me like no other.

Ozone depletion – a life loss phenomenon

Nuzha Naashidh
[ECOCARE Maldives]

http://www.haamadaily.com

Ozone layer is a thin layer of gas above the earth’s surface which acts as a shield from the harmful ultraviolet B radiation emitted by the sun. It is formed 15 to 30 kilometers above the earth. Ozone is known to be a particular gas present both in the Earth’s upper atmosphere and at ground level. There are two discrete types of ozone; the Stratospheric Ozone (or “good” ozone) and the Ground-level Ozone (or “bad” ozone layer). Ozone is highly reactive molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms bound together. Due to its high reaction with the molecules it displays a destructive side when it comes into direct contact with the life forms. Today, one of the most discussed and serious environmental issues are ozone depletion.

Causes of Ozone depletion

The reduction in the amount of ozone present in stratosphere is known to be ozone depletion. From 1979 to 1990 there was approximately a reduction of 5%. This reduction of ozone is caused by increase in the level of free radicals such as hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide radicals and atomic chlorine and bromine. Almost 80% of the total depletion of ozone in the stratosphere is caused due to chlorofluorocarbons (CFC). CFC’s cannot destroy with the reaction of other chemicals and it is not washed away by the rain. They can stick in the atmosphere for 20 to 120 years or more.

One important cause or reason for the ozone depletion is global warming and climate change. Scientists believe that Global Warming will lead to a weaker Ozone layer. Global warming may increase the atmospheric heat distribution. This leads to increase the cooling of the stratosphere. This cooling increases ozone depletion in polar areas. Cooling of stratosphere means stratosphere will be observing less UV rays from the sun causing the troposphere to warm. If this continues, the recovery of ozone would not take place though the chlorine and bromine starts to decrease. In 1980’s researchers first discovered the “ozone hole”. This was found above the Antarctica. The “ozone hole” refers to a large area of stratosphere with relatively low amount of ozone. The Antarctic hole now measures around 9 million square miles. It is almost the size of North America.

Effects of ozone depletion on health

Ozone layer prevents the earth from sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. When the ozone depletes, amount of UVB rays reaching the earth will increase. Ultraviolet rays of the Sun are familiar with a number of health related issues on humans and as well as on animals. The most important of these are the increased risk of developing several types of skin cancers including malignant melanoma, basal and squamous cell carcinoma. The incidences of cataract and skin cancers continue to rise in many countries, with significant societal impacts and costs to health care systems. These UV rays cause adverse effect on eyes. It causes infectious diseases and it damages the respiratory system as well.

Effects of ozone depletion on environment

Ozone depletion affects climate, and climate affects ozone. Increases in the concentration of green house gases will affect the amount of ozone present in the stratosphere. It leads to decrease the temperature in the stratosphere and it accelerates circulation patterns. As a result total amount of ozone present in tropics will decrease and at mid and high latitude total amount of ozone increases. Therefore this will affect the planet's climate. Wind patterns and rainfall could change, resulting in climatic changes throughout the world.

An important component of the marine food chain known as phytoplankton can also be affected by ozone depletion. The ultraviolet rays can affect the survival of these microscopic organisms by affecting their orientation and mobility. If this happened, it will affect the other animals that are above plankton in the food chain. As a result oceans will be hit hard. Researchers also have attested changes in the reproductive rates of young fish, shrimp, and crabs as well as frogs and salamanders overt to excess ultraviolet B.

Conclusion

Ozone layer depletes due to natural reasons even and it varies geographically and by season. Each natural reduction in ozone level has got its own recovery too. However, recently the scientific evidence shows that the ozone shield is being depleted beyond changes due to natural causes. Increasing concern for the causes and effects of ozone depletion led to adopt the Montreal Protocol, in the year 1987. This was adopted in order to decrease and control the industrial emission of CFC. This international agreement showed a positive effect. It has succeeded to a great extent. In order to mitigate the problem, more cooperation and understanding among all the countries of the world is required.

UNIQUELY ME !

"Dreams are the touchstones of our character."

- Henry David Thoreau

There is one person I know best in the world. She is a shy person. She is funny and got hold of even the slightest moments to be diverted. She is the second one from the family. She often imagines herself to be a great character from her favourite films.
 

She was born on the 18^th of November 1991, in a small Maldivian island named Kudahuvadhoo. She sometimes feels so pessimistic about things which annoy me even. She is very sensitive to other people’s feelings and feel sympathy easily. Her mother is a house wife and her father is a business man.
 

My friend is known as a person who loves travelling. She loves outdoor events, trips, seeing different places, culture and languages.  She wants to fly to her height. These things often annoy her parents. Therefore, these things are not possible for her.
 

She is an environment lover. She loves animals. She would very much want to own her own pet one day. She is also so much interested in photography. She loves taking photos and expressing the world to others by means of photographs.
 

She wants to be an environmental activist, a successful Photographer, a volunteer, etc. Some of her dreams and ambitions are far-fetched, but not altogether impossible.

One important question is that, how do I know so much about a particular person? It is because I have written about myself.

EARTH HOUR 2011 (This earth hour, go beyond the hour) !

Source from www.youtube.com

This earth hour, go beyond the hour !

Earth Hour 2011: 8.30pm, Saturday 26 March, celebrate your action for the planet with the people of world, and add more to your Earth Hour.

Earth Hour Maldives : http://earthhourmaldives.blogspot.com/

EARTH HOUR 2011 (official video) !

Source from www.youtube.com

This Earth Hour 2011: 8.30pm, Saturday 26 March, celebrate your action for the planet with the people of world, and add more to your Earth Hour.

Earth Hour Maldives : http://earthhourmaldives.blogspot.com/

SPECIAL RING !

www.google.com

 It’s a symbol of everlasting memories

A symbol showing how much you mean to me

It binds you and me together

Being it on my finger reminds me of you all the time

It reminds me of how much we share and care for each other

With all the dreams, hopes and memories

It will always be locked on my hand

This special ring means the world to me

ENERGY CONSERVATION

 Nuzha Naashidh

[ECOCARE Maldives]

Energy is known as the ability to do work. It causes things to happen around us.  Energy is more than just a commodity. It is a privilege. There are two types of energy: Renewable energy and non renewable energy. Renewable energy is a source of energy which cannot be exhausted. We can get renewable energy from sun (solar energy), from the wind (windmills), from the water (hydro power), from hot dry rocks, magma, hot water springs (geothermal) and even from firewood, animal manure, crop residues and waste (Biomass.). Non renewable energy is a source of energy which cannot be filled up in a short period of time. Most of the energy sources which we use today are non renewable energy, which includes natural gas, oil, coal and nuclear energy.

Why to conserve energy?

The principle of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be changed from one form to another. The only thing that can happen to energy in a closed system is that it can change its form from chemical energy to kinetic energy. Today, conservation of “energy” refers to the conservation of the total system of energy over time. Energy conservation is important because it is not just beneficial for one person but it will also contribute a lot for the whole world. In spite of its great importance, energy conservation is not an issue that we think about in our day to day lives. The choices we make about how we use energy will impact our environment, our lives and as well as the lives of the future generations.

The greatest importance of energy conservation is to reduce the excessive use of oil and natural resources. Almost everything we do uses energy - lighting, cooling, transportation, cooking, even entertainment.  We depend on energy to make our lives better in every way. One fearful fact is that some scientist says that after 60 years, our natural fuels will completely be exhausted. It means energy is not available in limitless supply. Every time energy is conserved, we are also helping a lot on reducing the use of our available natural resources and preventing further damage to the planet we live in. Therefore we need to maintain our quality of life by using the energy resources wisely.

Global warming is something that does not bother people so much because they are too busy with the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Climatic changes due to global warming are one of the biggest threats facing our planet today. Climate change is actually happening and it is happening now. Reduced use of energy source is essential in reducing the emission of greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. Energy conservation policies aim to minimize the use of fossil fuels; by that prevent the rate of adverse climatic change resulting from it. Therefore energy conservation is not just about saving the money spent on electricity. Every single conservation act weigh in a lot to the preservation of the environment.

How you can help conserve energy?

•    Turn off lights when not in use.
•    Replace traditional light bulbs with fluorescent ones. They may cost more, but will save so much more in the long run.
•    Turn off power supply and unplug electronics not in use.
•    Regularly replace home air conditioning filters. This may change according to the type of filter you are using. It is important to know the instruction found on the packaging.
•    Close vents and doors of unused rooms.
•    Defrost old fridges and freezers regularly. Replace them with newer models, which have automatic defrost cycles and are more energy-efficient than their predecessors.
•    Try to buy things which can be refilled.
•    Reuse shopping bag.
•    Plant a tree. A single tree will absorb one ton of Co2 in its lifetime.
•    Move onto renewable energy.
•    Use of energy efficient cars and other vehicles.

Energy conservation is not a one person job. Even then a person continues in doing their part has the capacity to influence a big change. When we each do our small role, it can do big things for the environment. It will be a great contribution from us to our mother earth and to our future generations. This can be achieved by educating and motivating the entire society. By targeting school and college students for conveying knowledge in this field, the future consumers and decision makers can be prepared to play an expressive role in energy conservation through their better habits and behavior.