Montreal Protocol: Purpose, Success, Amendments & More | UPSC Notes

The Montreal Protocol, created on September 16, 1987, concentrates on protecting the ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances. It officially started on January 1, 1989, and has undergone nine revisions in various cities. Due to this global agreement, the ozone hole in Antarctica is slowly healing. Climate predictions suggest that the ozone layer will recover to 1980 levels worldwide by around 2040 and by 2066 over Antarctica. As a result, the air quality in major cities like Delhi and Bangalore may become more favorable for humans and wildlife.

The Montreal Protocol UPSC is an essential topic in the UPSC CSE for aspirants in their upcoming preliminary and main examinations. The topic of the Montreal Protocol UPSC covers a significant part of the Environment subject in the General Studies Paper-3 syllabus and current events of national importance in UPSC prelims. In this article on the Montreal Protocol UPSC, we shall study in detail the Montreal Protocol, its essential provisions, and the Vienna Convention.

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The Montreal Protocol, established in 1987, is a global treaty aimed at safeguarding the stratospheric ozone layer by gradually eliminating the production and use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Over the years, it has seen nine amendments to strengthen its goals. These revisions took place in 1990 (London), 1991 (Nairobi), 1992 (Copenhagen), 1993 (Bangkok), 1995 (Vienna), 1997 (Montreal), 1998 (Australia), 1999 (Beijing), and most recently in 2016 (Kigali).

Also, check out the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety here.

Purpose of Montreal Protocol

The stated purpose of the Montreal Protocol was- "Determination to protect the ozone layer by taking precautionary measures to control equitably total global emissions of substances that deplete it with the ultimate objective of their elimination." 

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ODSs Regulated by Montreal Protocol

The table below gives the list of ODSs regulated by the Montreal Protocol:

Also, check Biological Disaster Management here.

Provisions of the Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol was established to protect the ozone layer by reducing the usage and production of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). It was signed in 1987 and became effective in January 1989. Key provisions of the Montreal Protocol include:

• Time-bound reduction: The Protocol sets specific timelines for the phased reduction of ODS usage, following a structured approach.
• Different responsibilities: Developing and developed countries have other duties and timetables outlined in the Protocol.
• Amendments and revisions: The Protocol can be amended and adjusted based on scientific advancements, technological progress, and economic considerations. It has already undergone nine amendments and modifications.
• Governance: The Meeting of the Parties is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Montreal Protocol. The Ozone Secretariat, based at the UN Environment Programme in Nairobi, supports the head of these parties.
• Provisions in effect: The Montreal Protocol encompasses provisions related to control measures, technical assistance, data reporting, calculation of control levels, non-compliance, and other aspects.

Read how to protect the Ozone layer NCERT Notes here.

Multilateral Fund Under the Montreal Protocol

The Multilateral Fund was set up to implement the Montreal Protocol in 1991 to help developing countries act by the provisions of the Protocol. These funds provide technical and financial assistance to these developing countries that consume and produce less than 0.3 kg of ODS annually. The Multilateral Funds are implemented by four bodies: World Bank, UNDP, UNIDO, and UNEP. 

Also, check the Difference Between the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol here.

Success of the Montreal Protocol

Without this accord, ozone depletion would have increased tenfold by 2050, leading to millions more cases of melanoma, other cancers, and eye cataracts.

• According to projections, the Montreal Protocol will prevent two million people from developing skin cancer annually by 2030.
• The Protocol's Parties have phased out 98 percent of ODS globally, compared to 1990 levels.
• If the Montreal Protocol is appropriately implemented and maintained.
• The ozone layer is assumed to recover by the middle of this century.
• The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which limits the use of HFCs, is expected to avoid the release of up to 105 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gases.
• The Montreal Protocol also maintains the global climate system because most of these substances are potent greenhouse gases.
• The Montreal Protocol also plays a vital role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
• It is expected to help lessen a global temperature rise of up to 0.5 degrees Celsius by 2100.
• It has also contributed to the achievement of the Paris Agreement's goals.

Study the Environmental Conventions & Protocols here.

Montreal Protocol Amendments 

The Montreal Amendment is also known as the Kigali Amendment. It is an addition to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. It was agreed upon at the 28th Meeting of Montreal Protocol in Kigali, Rwanda, in October 2016. The Amendment focuses on addressing the key issue of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These have a high global warming potential (GWP) and contribute to climate change.

The Amendment sets a timeline for reducing HFC consumption and production. Developed countries began reducing HFCs in 2019 while developing countries agreed to freeze their HFC consumption levels starting in 2024. The goal is to cut HFC consumption and production by 80–85 percent by the late 2040s.

The Amendment is projected to prevent emissions of up to 105 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gases. It is also expected to help limit the rise in global temperature by up to 0.5 degrees Celsius by the year 2100.

Know more about the different layers of the atmosphere. NCERT Notes are here.

India and Montreal Protocol 1987

India joined the Montreal Protocol as a petitioner in 1992, qualifying for assistance from the Multilateral Funds to transition from ozone-depleting substances (ODS) to non-ODS technologies. The Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Ministry played a crucial role in facilitating India's implementation of the Montreal Protocol, establishing an Ozone cell dedicated to its execution.

India manufactured and utilized only among the 20 substances covered by the Protocol. The Ministries have established specific regulations to adhere to the National Strategy for the ODS Protocol, including prohibiting CFC usage in various manufacturing processes. ODS producers, stockers, sellers, and importers must also register their activities.

You might like to read NCERT Notes: Biogeochemical Cycles For UPSC here.

About the World Ozone Day

The ozone layer is the region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation. The ozone layer contains 10 parts of Ozone per million parts. Ozone is created by ultraviolet light rays hitting two Oxygen atoms (O2). Found in the lower portion of the stratosphere, between 15-35 km. Discovered by Charles Fabri and Henri Buisson (French Physicists) in 1913. Absorbs 97-99 percent of the Sun's medium-frequency ultraviolet light. International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer- September 16 (designated by the UN General Assembly).

Also, check NCERT Notes: The Hydrologic Cycle.

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