The Last Ozone-Layer Damaging Chemicals to Be Phased Out Are Finally Falling in the Atmosphere
Since the 1985 discovery of a hole in the ozone layer, countries around the world have united to address this critical issue. The most notable of these efforts is the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, widely regarded as the most successful environmental agreement ever devised. Ratified by every UN member state and first adopted in 1987, the Montreal Protocol aimed to reduce the release of ozone-depleting substances into the atmosphere, with a particular focus on chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Starting in 1989, the protocol initiated a phased reduction in the global production of CFCs, culminating in a complete phase-out by 2010. These substances were banned in equipment such as refrigerators, air-conditioners, and insulating foam. This gradual approach allowed countries with less established economies time to transition to alternatives and provided funding to help them comply with the protocol’s regulations. Today, household items l...
