The Montreal Protocol (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

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