Ozone-Depleting Substances: New Study
A new study released June 11, 2024, has reported the first significant decrease in atmospheric concentrations of potent ozone-depleting substances (ODS) known as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
- Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) are chemicals that cause the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer.
- This layer is crucial for protecting life on Earth by absorbing the majority of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- The most common ODS include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Halons, Carbon Tetrachloride and Methyl Chloroform.
ODS are substances commonly used in refrigerators, air conditioners, fire extinguishers and aerosols. - The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, is a global agreement to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by eliminating the production and consumption of ODSs like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
- The worldwide production of CFCs has been prohibited since 2010.
Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol:
- In 2016, Parties to the Montreal Protocol adopted the Kigali Amendment to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) worldwide.
- HFCs are widely used alternatives to ODS such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), already controlled under the Protocol.
