Montreal Protocol 1987, officially called the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer, is an international treaty created to reduce the damage being caused to the stratospheric ozone layer by air pollutants such as refrigerant gases. The ozone layer protects the earth from damaging UV-B radiation, which could lead to increased cases of skin cancer, damaged crops and marine phytoplankton.
Montreal Protocol 1987 calls for a phase out of the making and use of chemicals and gases that deplete the ozone layer. The original treaty set 2000 for the completion of the phase out. Substances identified are chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloroform. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are also includes because they contribute to global warming. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons can be found in refrigerants, solvents, fire extinguishers and the manufacture of plastic foam.
Banning substances that harm the environment was first implemented internationally through the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer agreement. That treaty ended in 1985 and Montreal Protocol 1987 replaced it. However, Montreal Protocol 1987 was amended in 1990 and then again in 1992. The changes included an extension of the 2000 phase out deadline. The new amendments allowed developed countries to continue the production of chlorofluorocarbons up to 15% of their 1986 baseline. This new directive was necessary because developing countries needed chlorofluorocarbons for vital items, including medical devices. However, the new directives required developing countries to phase out chlorofluorocarbons and carbon tetrachloride by 2010 and methyl chloroform by 2015.
Currently, Montreal Protocol 1987 requires developed countries to phase out hydrochlorofluorocarbons based on this established schedule: 35% reduction in 2004; 65% reduction by 2010; 90% decrease by 2015; 99.5% reduction by 2020; and 100% elimination by 2030. However, 0.5% will remain in use temporarily to service current refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. For developing countries, a complete phase out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons is required by 2040.
In the creation of Montreal Protocol 1987, scientific, environmental, technical and economic information was reviewed to identify the substances that cause the most harm to the ozone layer. Alternatives are being investigated to replace ozone depleting chemicals and gases used for refrigeration, agriculture, energy production and laboratory measurements.
Monitoring is a major part of the Montreal Protocol 1987 agreement. By monitoring substances that harm the ozone layer, both the government and industry will gain a better understanding of how much of the harmful chemicals are being used and how much escapes into the air. To make the task easier, Verisae, which has developed a refrigerant management program, assists businesses, facilities and industries in complying with the law. The Verisae program includes a Refrigerant Tracker, which is a tool that helps in the completion of the required compliance forms.
Because various industries have focused their efforts on air pollutants, the use of many ozone depleting substances has already been greatly reduced. As a result, the Montreal Protocol 1987 agreement is ahead of schedule in its goals. The focus, however, remains on companies and industries that fail to comply with the protocols under the agreement.
Montreal Protocol 1987 is being called the most successful international agreement in history. Currently, the agreement has been approved by 194 of the 196 United Nations member states. If all remains on schedule, the ozone layer will show significant recovery by 2050.