Reducing the damage to the stratospheric ozone layer by air pollutants is the goal of the international Montreal Protocol 1987, short for the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer. Without a healthy ozone layer protecting the earth from UV-B radiation, skin cancer rates would increase, crops would be damaged and marine phytoplankton would be impacted.
Under Montreal Protocol 1987, production and use of substances that have been identified to deplete the ozone layer will be phased out by 2000, with other substances following in subsequent years. These substances are chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloroform. Also included are hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which contribute to global warming. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are used 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.
The revised Montreal Protocol 1987 currently calls for developed countries, such as the United States, to phase out hydrochlorofluorocarbons according to the following schedule: 35% reduction in 2004; 65% reduction in 2010; 90% reduction in 2015; 99.5% reduction in 2020; and 100% phase out in 2030. The agreement calls for 0.5% to be allowable in order to service existing refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. For developing countries, 2040 is the deadline for a complete phase out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons.
When setting guidelines to eliminate ozone depleting substances, Montreal Protocol 1987 analyzed scientific, environmental, technical and economic data. Currently, a variety of information is being examined to find improved alternatives to replace ozone depleting substances for refrigeration, agriculture, energy production and laboratory measurements.
A key component of the Montreal Protocol 1987 agreement is its continuous monitoring of facilities to make certain that proper control measures are in place for dealing with substances that are harmful to the environment. Companies, such as Verisae, that specialize in refrigerant management programs, assist businesses and industries in complying with the law. The Refrigerant Tracker from Verisae has been a helpful tool in ensuring that the necessary forms are submitted to meet reporting requirements.
Thanks to the efforts of facilities to date, ozone depleting substances are already on the decline. As such, Montreal Protocol 1987 is ahead of schedule in meeting its goals. However, companies and industries that fail to comply with the protocols under the agreement will remain closely watched.
Currently Montreal Protocol 1987 has been ratified by 194 of the 196 United Nations member states. The ozone layer is expected to recover by 2050 if Montreal Protocol 1987 is followed fully. Because of the progress so far, the protocol is viewed as the most successful international agreement. - 15437
Under Montreal Protocol 1987, production and use of substances that have been identified to deplete the ozone layer will be phased out by 2000, with other substances following in subsequent years. These substances are chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloroform. Also included are hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which contribute to global warming. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are used 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.
The revised Montreal Protocol 1987 currently calls for developed countries, such as the United States, to phase out hydrochlorofluorocarbons according to the following schedule: 35% reduction in 2004; 65% reduction in 2010; 90% reduction in 2015; 99.5% reduction in 2020; and 100% phase out in 2030. The agreement calls for 0.5% to be allowable in order to service existing refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. For developing countries, 2040 is the deadline for a complete phase out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons.
When setting guidelines to eliminate ozone depleting substances, Montreal Protocol 1987 analyzed scientific, environmental, technical and economic data. Currently, a variety of information is being examined to find improved alternatives to replace ozone depleting substances for refrigeration, agriculture, energy production and laboratory measurements.
A key component of the Montreal Protocol 1987 agreement is its continuous monitoring of facilities to make certain that proper control measures are in place for dealing with substances that are harmful to the environment. Companies, such as Verisae, that specialize in refrigerant management programs, assist businesses and industries in complying with the law. The Refrigerant Tracker from Verisae has been a helpful tool in ensuring that the necessary forms are submitted to meet reporting requirements.
Thanks to the efforts of facilities to date, ozone depleting substances are already on the decline. As such, Montreal Protocol 1987 is ahead of schedule in meeting its goals. However, companies and industries that fail to comply with the protocols under the agreement will remain closely watched.
Currently Montreal Protocol 1987 has been ratified by 194 of the 196 United Nations member states. The ozone layer is expected to recover by 2050 if Montreal Protocol 1987 is followed fully. Because of the progress so far, the protocol is viewed as the most successful international agreement. - 15437
About the Author:
Daniel Stouffer has much more information on the importance of good refrigerant gas management and the impact of the Montreal Protocol 1987.
