February 15, 2025

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How the Montreal Protocol’s Ozone Protection Pact is Fighting Climate Change

The ozone layer, located 15–35 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, serves as a vital shield, protecting life on Earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation, particularly UV-B. Without this protective layer, life would struggle to survive—crops would fail, and humans and animals would be exposed to an increased risk of conditions like skin cancer and cataracts. Its significance became even more apparent in 1985, when British scientists revealed that a large hole had formed in the ozone layer above the Antarctic, sending alarm bells ringing across the globe. The ozone layer’s deterioration threatened the stability of ecosystems and human health, prompting urgent global action.

In response, the Montreal Protocol was established in 1987, marking a monumental step in efforts to repair the ozone layer. The agreement has led to the phase-out of 99 percent of ozone-depleting substances, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chemicals that were widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants. As a result, scientists predict that the ozone layer will return to pre-1980s levels by 2066. While its primary focus was the ozone layer, the Montreal Protocol has had a significant and unexpected benefit: combating climate change.

Most of the ozone-depleting substances, like CFCs and HCFCs, are also potent greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. By curbing the use of these substances, the protocol has directly helped slow the rise of global temperatures. Scientists estimate that the Montreal Protocol could prevent about 0.5°C to 1°C of warming by the end of the century. However, the fight against climate change doesn’t end there. CFCs and HCFCs have been replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which, although harmless to the ozone layer, are much more powerful greenhouse gases. HFCs are thousands of times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, exacerbating the global warming crisis.

To tackle this, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol was adopted in 2016, aiming to phase down the use of HFCs over the next three decades. The amendment has been ratified by 162 countries and the European Union, marking a significant stride in global climate change mitigation efforts. By eliminating HFCs, the Kigali Amendment is expected to prevent up to 0.5°C of warming by the end of the century, which could significantly reduce the severity of climate impacts, such as extreme heatwaves, droughts, and superstorms.

The Kigali Amendment also promotes energy efficiency, particularly in cooling technologies. As nations transition away from HFCs, they are encouraged to adopt more energy-efficient refrigeration and air conditioning systems, which will reduce the demand for electricity and the associated greenhouse gas emissions from power generation. This dual focus on reducing harmful gases and improving energy efficiency can help limit global temperature rise and ease the pressure on the planet’s ecosystems.

Beyond the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) plays a crucial role in supporting these efforts. UNEP administers the Protocol’s secretariat, provides financial support to developing countries through the Multilateral Fund, and promotes initiatives like the Global Cooling Pledge, which aims to reduce cooling-related emissions and improve the efficiency of cooling systems worldwide.

For the full potential of the Kigali Amendment to be realized, universal ratification and full implementation are essential. While 163 of the 198 parties have ratified the amendment, achieving global consensus and ensuring the necessary energy efficiency improvements are made will be pivotal in combating climate change. By continuing these efforts, the Montreal Protocol and its amendments offer a powerful and ongoing tool in the fight against both ozone depletion and global warming.

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