The success of Montreal Protocol
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Environment Conservation
- •Source: Nature*
Context: The Montreal Protocol has successfully reduced radiative forcing and equivalent effective chlorine from hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) since 2021, indicating progress in mitigating climate change and ozone layer loss, as per a new study published in the Nature Journal.
What is the Montreal Protocol?
The Montreal Protocol, enacted in 1987, is a global treaty designed to phase out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). This treaty operates under the framework of the Vienna Convention (adopted in 1985). A significant addition to the Protocol came with the adoption of the Kigali Amendment in 2016, which became effective in 2019. This amendment specifically targets the reduction of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which serve as non-ODS alternatives to previously phased-out substances like Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
What are Ozone and Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS)?
Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are synthetic compounds, such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), containing chlorine and bromine. When released into the atmosphere, these chemicals can ascend to the stratosphere, where they trigger catalytic reactions that degrade ozone molecules.
Success of Montreal Protocol: the most successful global climate treaty
• Researchers indicate a significant reduction in the ozone hole’s size since 2000, attributing it to global efforts to limit the use of chlorofluorocarbons and other harmful gases.
• Projections suggest complete healing of Northern Hemisphere and mid-latitude ozone by the 2030s, followed by the Southern Hemisphere in the 2050s, and Polar Regions by 2060.
• Decrease in the impact of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) on Earth’s energy balance since 2021, five years earlier than expected.
• HCFCs, compounds, notably HCFC-22, the most abundant, have declined significantly. HCFC-22, commonly used as a refrigerant, possesses a Global Warming Potential (GWP) thousands of times higher than carbon dioxide (CO2).
• HCFC-22, commonly used as a refrigerant, possesses a Global Warming Potential (GWP) thousands of times higher than carbon dioxide (CO2).
• Minor declines in HCFC-141b, the second most abundant, used as a blowing agent in foam production.
• India has successfully phased out HCFC-141b under ODS Regulation and Control Amendment Rules, 2014, aligning with its commitment to the Montreal Protocol for Ozone Layer Depletion.
The Montreal Protocol offers a model of a successful environmental treaty that brought nations together to act swiftly on protecting the ozone layer.
The Montreal Protocol serves as a model for addressing environmental challenges:
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Despite efforts, emissions and temperatures continue to rise, with the Paris Agreement showing limited effectiveness.
• Biodiversity Loss: Human land and sea use are driving biodiversity loss, but international efforts have seen little progress.
• Wildfires: Increasing greenhouse gases worsen wildfires, necessitating better planning and international cooperation.
• Climate Change: The reality of climate change is undeniable, requiring developed nations to support developing countries in meeting Paris Agreement goals.
Conclusion
With the robust international coalitions and effective implementation of the framework, the Montreal Protocol achieved a milestone in reducing ozone depletion. To protect the environment and to achieve more sustainable development there is a need to follow the pattern of the Montreal Protocol in solving other environmental problems.
Insta Links:
• Ozone Depletion and Protection
Prelims Link:
Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances? (UPSC 2015)
(a) Bretton Woods Conference (b) Montreal Protocol (c) Kyoto Protocol (d) Nagoya Protocol
Ans: (b)
Consider the following statements: (USPC 2012)
Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used
• in the production of plastic foams
• in the production of tubeless tyres
• in cleaning certain electronic components
• as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)