Montreal Protocol – UPSC Environment Notes

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer signifies an essential agreement aimed at safeguarding Earth’s ozone layer. Its primary objective is the gradual elimination of compounds that pose a threat to the ozone layer. The agreement, established in 1987 and ratified in 1989, encompasses both the production and consumption of ozone-depleting chemicals. Notably, this historic accord holds the distinction of being the first United Nations convention adopted by all 197 Parties (196 UN member states plus the EU) worldwide. This article provides valuable insights into the Montreal Protocol, particularly beneficial for comprehending the Environment Syllabus in preparation for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

Ozone Layer

• Ozone Layer: A natural gas barrier in the upper atmosphere.
• Protection from UV Radiation: Shields people and living things from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
• Ozone Distribution: Ozone (O3) exists in modest amounts throughout the atmosphere.
• Stratospheric Concentration: About 90% of ozone is found in the stratosphere, specifically between 10 and 50 km above the Earth’s surface.
• UV Radiation Filtering: The ozone layer filters away the majority of the sun’s biologically hazardous UV radiation.
• Crucial Function: Serves a crucial function in preserving life on Earth.

Ozone

• Ozone (O3): Colorless, reactive oxidant gas, a major constituent of atmospheric smog.
• Ozone Distribution: Found in both the upper atmosphere and at the Earth’s surface, composed of three oxygen atoms.
• Environmental Impact: Ozone can be “good” or “bad” depending on its location in the atmosphere, affecting both the environment and health.
• Concentration Hazards: Even at low concentrations, ozone is an explosive and dangerous pale blue gas.
• Regional Context (India): The ozone problem is particularly a “sunny weather concern” in India, with sunlight influencing ground-level ozone development.
• Catalytic Effect: Photochemical processes, aided by the catalytic effect of heat, lead to higher ozone concentrations, especially during summertime.

Ozone Layer Depletion

• Ozone Layer Thinning: Representation of the protective ozone layer becoming thinner.
• Natural Variations: Ozone concentrations in the atmosphere naturally vary based on temperature, weather, latitude, and altitude.
• Natural Events Impact: Substances from natural events like volcanic eruptions can affect ozone levels.
• Human-Induced Depletion: Scientific evidence points to man-made chemicals causing Antarctic ozone hole and global ozone losses.
• Industrial Gases: Certain chemicals used in various products like aerosol sprays, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc., contribute to ozone depletion.
• ODS (Ozone Depleting Substances): Sunlight breaks down ODS in the stratosphere, producing halogen atoms that destroy ozone through a complex catalytic cycle.
• Polar Stratospheric Clouds: At the South Pole, low temperatures form polar stratospheric clouds, enhancing ozone degradation.
• Catalytic Cycle Acceleration: Ice crystals in these clouds increase the surface area for chemical reactions, speeding up catalytic cycles.
• Seasonal Influence: Ozone destruction accelerates during spring, with peak solar radiation levels and continuous presence of polar stratospheric clouds.

Montreal Protocol – Background

• Ozone Depletion Awareness: By 1985, scientific developments highlighted the evident impact of ozone depletion on the environment and human health.
• Vienna Convention Establishment: In response, the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was established.
• Entry into Force: The Vienna Convention, in force since 1988, was ratified by all nations in 2009, marking the first convention universally signed by all parties.
• International Collaboration: The Convention’s objective is to encourage global collaboration by exchanging data on how human activities affect the ozone layer.
• Non-binding Nature: Despite its significance, the Vienna Convention is not legally binding, lacking the power to compel nations to implement control measures for ozone layer protection.
• Montreal Protocol Development: In response to this limitation, the Montreal Protocol was later developed to address and rectify the issue.

What is Montreal Protocol?

• Montreal Protocol Objective: Created to reduce production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, safeguarding Earth’s vulnerable ozone layer.
• Key Dates: Opened for signature on September 16, 1987; entered into force on January 1, 1989, following the first meeting in Helsinki in May 1989.
• Annual Meetings: Protocol parties convene annually to make decisions ensuring successful implementation.
• Amendments and Adjustments: The Protocol has undergone seven adjustments or amendments since 1990, in London, Nairobi, Copenhagen, Bangkok, Vienna, Montreal, and Beijing.
• Kigali Amendment: The most recent amendment in 2016 called for the phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), powerful greenhouse gases introduced as replacements under the original Protocol.
• Climate Change Impact: HFCs, while not depleting the ozone layer, contribute to climate change as potent greenhouse gases.
• Practical Tasks: The Montreal Protocol established a consensus on practical, actionable tasks agreed upon by all parties.

Montreal Protocol – Salient Features

• Ozone-Destroying Substances: The foundation of the agreement comprises several classes of halogenated hydrocarbons.
• Components of Concern: Chlorine or bromine is a key component in substances regulated by the Montreal Protocol, causing ozone damage (fluorine-containing substances are exempt).
• Unregulated Substance: Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an ozone-depleting substance (ODS) not currently regulated by the Montreal Protocol.
• Timeline for Eradication: The treaty outlines a specific timeline for the cessation and complete eradication of the manufacturing of each ODS category.
• Developing Nations Phase-in: Developing nations mentioned in Article 5 of the agreement are granted a 10-year phase-in period for compliance.

Montreal Protocol – Functions

• Gradual ODS Reduction: The protocol gradually reduces the consumption of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODSs) over a defined period.
• Timelines for Nations: It establishes timelines for both developing and developed nations concerning the phasing out of various ozone-depleting compounds, trade regulation, annual data reporting, and import/export control of ODS.
• Special Obligations: All member parties bear specific obligations related to phasing out ozone-depleting compounds and regulating ODS trade.
• Equivalent but Distinct Responsibilities: The responsibilities of developing and developed nations are equivalent yet distinct under the treaty.
• Effective Measures: The treaty is effective due to its inclusion of time-bound, legally-binding, and measurable obligations for both sets of countries.
• Adaptability Clause: The protocol includes a clause enabling modification and updates in response to recent advances in science, business, and technology.

Montreal Protocol – Multilateral Fund

• Montreal Protocol Implementation: In 1991, the Multilateral Fund was established to facilitate the execution of the Montreal Protocol.
• Fund Objective: The Fund aims to provide financial and technical support to developing nations with annual per capita use and production of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) less than 0.3 kg.
• Implementing Agencies: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP), UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the World Bank, along with bilateral organizations from non-Article 5 nations, carry out the functions of the Multilateral Fund.

Montreal Protocol: Phase out of HCFCs – the Montreal Amendment

• Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs): Gases extensively utilized in foam applications, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems worldwide.
• Montreal Protocol Phase-out: The Montreal Protocol is initiating a phase-out of HCFCs due to their ozone layer-damaging properties.
• Dual Impact: HCFCs are both Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) and potent greenhouse gases, with a significant global warming potential, approximately 2,000 times greater than carbon dioxide (GWP).
• Acceleration Decision: In September 2007, Parties decided to expedite the phase-out of HCFCs.
• Developed Nations Commitment: Developed nations were to completely phase out HCFCs by 2020.
• Developing Nations Initiative: Developing nations agreed to commence their phase-out in 2013, implementing a gradual process to eliminate all HCFCs by 2030.

Montreal protocol: Phase out of HCFCs – the Kigali Amendment

• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): Introduced as non-ozone depleting alternatives during the phase-out of CFCs and HCFCs.
• Widespread Use: Now present in various products like air conditioners, refrigerators, aerosols, foams, and household items.
• Global Warming Potentials (GWPs): HFCs, though not ozone depleters, possess high GWPs, ranging from 12 to 14,000.
• Emission Increase: HFC emissions are rising at an annual rate of 8%, with projections indicating 7-19% of global CO2 emissions by 2050.
• Climate Impact: Uncontrolled HFC emission growth complicates efforts to limit global temperature rise to or below 2°C.
• Montreal Protocol Decision: At the 28th Meeting of the Parties on October 15, 2016, in Kigali, Rwanda, Montreal Protocol Parties agreed to phase down HFCs.
• Controlled Substances: HFCs were added to the list of controlled substances, with a set timetable for an 80-85% reduction by the late 2040s.
• Implementation Schedule: Developed countries expected initial cuts in 2019, while developing countries would freeze HFC consumption levels in 2024, and some in 2028.

Montreal Protocol – Outcomes

• Montreal Protocol Success: Universally ratified and time-bound, the Montreal Protocol has effectively repaired ozone layer damage.
• International Environmental Measure: Regarded as the most successful international environmental measure adopted by nations.
• Impact on Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODSs): Significant chlorofluorocarbons and associated chlorinated hydrocarbons have stabilized or decreased atmospheric concentrations due to the Protocol.
• Halon Concentrations: Although halon concentrations increased, the rate of increase has slowed, and a decline is predicted by 2020.
• Clear Communication with Market: The Protocol has effectively communicated its objectives to the global market.
• Health Benefits: Anticipates preventing over 280 million cases of skin cancer, nearly 1.6 million skin cancer deaths, and numerous cataract cases with complete implementation.
• Ozone Layer Recovery: By 2050, the ozone layer is expected to recover significantly due to the Protocol.
• ODS Phase-out: Parties have successfully phased out 98% of ODSs compared to 1990 levels, contributing to the fight against global warming.
• Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction: The Protocol is estimated to have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 135 gigatons of carbon dioxide, or 11 gigatons per year, between 1990 and 2010.
• Kigali Amendment Impact: The Kigali Amendment, an amendment to the Protocol, has aided in reducing HFC emissions and mitigating the rise in global temperatures.

Montreal Protocol and India

• Montreal Protocol Ratification: In 1992, India formally ratified the Montreal Protocol, securing entitlement as an Article 5 nation to Multilateral Fund support during its transition from Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODSs) to non-ODS technologies.
• Key Chemicals in India: India primarily produced and used 7 of the 20 chemicals regulated by the Protocol: Methyl Chloroform, Methyl Bromide, Carbon Tetrachloride, Halon-1301, Halon-1211, CFC-11, CFC113, and CFC-12.
• Implementation Authority: The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change oversees the execution of the Montreal Protocol in India.
• Ozone Cell Establishment: For Protocol execution, the Ministry established the Ozone Cell.
• Regulatory Framework: The Ministry introduced the Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000, aligning with the National Strategy for ODS Phaseout.
• CFCs Prohibition: CFCs are prohibited from use in the production of various products.
• Mandatory Registration: The rules mandate the registration of ODS vendors, importers, stockists, and producers.

Conclusion

• Montreal Protocol Success: Recognized as one of the most successful environmental treaties, the Montreal Protocol has achieved unprecedented success since its initiation in 1987.
• Unprecedented Achievements: The accomplishments of the Protocol’s parties stand out as unparalleled, serving as an inspiration for the potential achievements of international cooperation.
• Ongoing Protection: The Protocol has successfully met its objectives and continues to safeguard the ozone layer, demonstrating its sustained effectiveness today.

FAQs on the Montreal Protocol

Q1: What is the Montreal Protocol?

A: The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty established in 1987 to address the depletion of the ozone layer. Its primary goal is to phase out the production and consumption of substances that contribute to ozone layer depletion, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

Q2: What is the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol?

A: The Multilateral Fund is a financial mechanism set up under the Montreal Protocol to assist developing nations in implementing projects and programs to phase out ozone-depleting substances (ODS). It provides both financial and technical support to help these nations transition to environmentally friendly alternatives.

Q3: Is India a signatory to the Montreal Protocol?

A: Yes, India is a signatory to the Montreal Protocol. The country formally ratified the Protocol in 1992. As an Article 5 nation under the Protocol, India is entitled to support from the Multilateral Fund as it works towards reducing and eventually eliminating the use of ODS.

MCQ on PYQ Prelims

Question: Consider the following statements: Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone- depleting substances, are used (UPSC 2012)

1. in the production of plastic foams
2. in the production of tubeless tyres
3. in cleaning certain electronic components
4. 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

Answer: (d)

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