The Montreal Protocol (HL IB ESS OLD COURSE - IGNORE)
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
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)
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
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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