The Montreal Protocol (HL IB ESS OLD COURSE - IGNORE)

Revision Note

The Montreal Protocol

The role of UNEP

  • The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has played a critical role in the protection of the stratospheric ozone layer

    • This have been achieved through its efforts in providing information and creating international agreements:

  • UNEP has been instrumental in raising awareness about:

    • The fact that the ozone layer was being rapidly depleted

    • The causes of this depletion

    • The associated environmental and health impacts of this depletion

      • Through research and sharing of information, UNEP has helped educate governments, industries and the public about the importance of ozone layer protection

      • UNEP has been actively involved in the creation of international agreements aimed at reducing the use of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs)

Graph showing emissions of ozone-depleting substances from 1961 to 2014
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, initiated in 1987, played a crucial role in reducing the production, use and emissions of ozone-depleting substances (natural sources of halogen gases that deplete stratospheric ozone include biological activity in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems)
  • The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was initiated in 1987

    • It was started under the guidance of UNEP

    • It is a landmark international agreement that regulates the production, trade and use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ODSs.

      • 24 countries initially signed the initial protocol, and the total now stands at 197 countries

      • It has been updated and strengthened (a later amendment at a summit in Copenhagen in 1992 tightened restrictions further)

      • It has resulted in emissions of ODSs falling rapidly from around 1.5 million tonnes in 1987 to around 400 000 tonnes in 2010

      • UNEP hopes to end production of all HCFCs by 2040

Graph showing predicted rates of skin cancer in Northwest Europe
The effects of CFC reduction on predicted skin cancer rates in Northwest Europe
  • The illegal market for ozone-depleting substances is a significant challenge to the effectiveness of ozone protection efforts:

    • UNEP recognises the need for consistent monitoring and enforcement to tackle this issue

    • By collaborating with national authorities, customs agencies and other relevant stakeholders, UNEP works towards:

      • Stopping the illegal trade of ozone-depleting substances

      • Ensuring compliance with international regulations

  • Phased reductions:

    • Gradual reduction schedules for ODSs have allowed industries to adapt

    • The Montreal Protocol provided time for the development and adoption of alternatives to ODSs

  • National governments play an important role in implementing the agreements made by the UNEP:

    • In response to the Montreal Protocol, governments have enacted national laws and regulations to decrease the consumption and production of halogenated organic gases, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

    • These laws help enforce the reduction targets and promote the transition to ozone-friendly alternatives

    • The collective efforts of UNEP, governments, industries and other stakeholders are vital in achieving goals, including:

      • Ozone layer protection

      • Mitigating the illegal trade of ozone-depleting substances

      • Encouraging global cooperation for a more sustainable future

Planetary boundary for stratospheric ozone depletion

  • Stratospheric ozone depletion is one of the nine planetary boundaries outlined by the planetary boundaries model

    • Planetary boundaries are thresholds that lead to significant environmental changes if they are crossed

  • The Montreal Protocol is regarded as the most successful example yet of international cooperation in management and intervention to resolve a significant environmental issue

    • Actions taken in response to the Montreal Protocol have prevented the planetary boundary for stratospheric ozone depletion being crossed

  • Evidence from data:

    • Data shows a decrease in the size of ozone holes over time

    • Continuous monitoring indicates that ozone layer recovery is underway

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Make sure you understand the key reasons for the Montreal Protocol's success (e.g. international cooperation, legally binding agreements, etc.) and that you are familiar with how the protocol has helped reverse stratospheric ozone depletion.

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Alistair Marjot

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