What is Montreal Protocol?

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Last Set of FAQs on Ozone Layer

What is Montreal Protocol?

- Due to decrease in ozone layer at alarmingly high rates, various nations of the world came together in the year 1987 in Montreal and resolved to reduce the production and release of the gases that cause ozone layer depletion. The agreement reached among the various nations is called “Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.” A number of amendments and adjustments have also been carried out in the main protocol to suit the various nations of the world. As per the agreement the ozone depletion causing substances, especially CFCs and HCFCs have to be removed totally from the world in various phases. After the agreed date the substances will neither be used nor produced. Around 191 nations have signed the protocol and they are legally bound to it.

What has been the impact of Montreal Protocol on ozone l****ayer?

- The Montreal Protocol has indeed been effective in reducing the overall quantity of the ozone depleting gases in the atmosphere in the recent years. If the Montreal Protocol is obeyed in the future, there will be further reduction of ozone depletion causing gases. Some gases like HCFCs are still increasing in the atmosphere since they have not yet been phased out completely.

Are the threats posed by ozone depletion realistic?

- Out of ignorance many people may be forced to think that the depletion of ozone layer is not realistic nor its threats. Various measurements carried at number of places and data from satellite clearly show the ozone depletion caused by various gases. The depletion of ozone layer increases the intensity of ultraviolet rays on the earth, which has the potential to cause various skin diseases.

Is the ozone layer depletion main cause of the change in the climate?

- Ozone layer depletion on itself is not entirely responsible for the changes in the climate. However, ozone is a greenhouse gas and changes in it are linked to changes in the climate in important ways. There are number of other greenhouse gases also that affect the climate.

Is the ozone layer expected to be recovered? By when?

- If the Montreal Protocol is followed in entirety with full spirit, the overall quantity of ozone layer depletion causing gases mainly chlorine and bromine is bound to reduce in the atmosphere. With this not only the depletion of ozone layer will stop, but also the lost ozone may be recovered in the coming decades.

How can I contribute in reducing the ozone layer depletion?

- You can greatly contribute to reduce the depletion of ozone layer by purchasing and using ozone friendly products. As the citizen of the world it is our duty not to use products made with or made by using ozone depletion causing gases like CFCs, HCFCs, halons, methyl chloroform, and methyl bromide that contribute to the depletion of ozone layer. If you are purchasing the refrigerator or air-conditioner, make sure that it is charged with ozone friendly refrigerant. If you are not aware of the ozone friendly product, ask the seller or your neighbor, friends, or relatives. Spread the information among all your near and dear ones.

Reference

Ministry of Environment and Forest, Ozone Layer

This post is part of the series: International Ozone Day Special

Today, September 16, we celebrate International Ozone Day to commemorate the signing of Montreal Protocol on this day of 1987. The aim of the protocol is to phase out the use and production of ozone depletion causing gases from various parts of the world in various phases.