Ozone depletion, a grave environmental concern, refers to the gradual thinning of the ozone layer in Earth’s atmosphere, primarily due to the release of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Recognizing the urgent need for international cooperation to address this issue, the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was adopted in 1985 as a framework for nations to work together to safeguard the ozone layer. Subsequently, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, established in 1987, emerged as a landmark agreement, setting targets for the phase-out of ODS. Over the years, the Montreal Protocol has been hailed as a successful example of global environmental governance, leading to significant reductions in the production and consumption of ODS. Moreover, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, adopted in 2016, further strengthens these efforts by targeting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used mainly in refrigeration and air conditioning, thus addressing both ozone depletion and climate change simultaneously. These measures underscore the importance of international collaboration and regulatory frameworks in combating environmental threats on a global scale.
Ozone depletion
- The gradual thinning of the upper atmosphere’s ozone layer, attributed to the release of chemical compounds containing gaseous bromine or chlorine from industrial or other human activities, is referred to as ozone layer depletion.
- Ozone-depleting substances containing chlorine include chlorofluorocarbon, carbon tetrachloride, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and methyl chloroform.
- Similarly, substances containing bromine, such as halons, methyl bromide, and hydrobromofluorocarbons, contribute to ozone layer depletion.
- In response to this environmental challenge, the Montreal Protocol was introduced in 1987.
- This international agreement aims to prohibit the use, production, and import of ozone-depleting substances, with the overarching goal of reducing their concentration in the atmosphere and safeguarding the earth’s ozone layer.
INITIATIVES TO TACKLE OZONE DEPLETION
VIENNA CONVENTION
The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, signed in 1985, is an international agreement wherein United Nations members acknowledged the critical importance of preventing damage to the stratospheric ozone layer.
On March 18, 1991, India became a signatory to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer.
MONTREAL PROTOCOL
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was negotiated in 1987, with subsequent amendments aimed at controlling the consumption and production of anthropogenic ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) and certain hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
On June 19, 1992, India became a party to the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer.
KIGALI AMENDMENT
The adoption of the 2016 Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is geared towards phasing down the production and consumption of specific HFCs, mitigating the projected global increase and associated climate change.
EU legislation on ozone-depleting substances stands out as among the strictest and most advanced globally. Not only has the EU implemented the Montreal Protocol through a series of regulations, but it has also consistently expedited the phase-out of hazardous substances beyond the stipulated requirements. The EU Ozone Regulation establishes licensing requirements for all exports and imports of ozone-depleting substances. It regulates and monitors not only substances covered by the Montreal Protocol (over 90 chemicals) but also includes some substances not covered by the protocol (five new substances).
Under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, the Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Amendment Rules, 2019, have been officially released.
As per the stipulations outlined in the Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Amendment Rules, 2019, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) publicly announced the prohibition of issuing import licenses for HCFC-141b from January 1, 2020.
This move marks a notable step and is among the first of its magnitude within the parties to the Montreal Protocol, particularly those covered by Article 5, which addresses the special status of developing countries.
India has successfully met the challenge of completely phasing out Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-141b, a chemical commonly used by foam-producing businesses, by the designated deadline of January 1, 2020.
In a conscious effort, India has opted to shift away from the use of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) and embrace environmentally and energy-friendly technologies. In several instances, India has been a pioneer in adopting technologies that not only avoid ozone layer depletion but also exhibit low global warming potential (GWP).
FAQs -OZONE DEPLETION – MEASURES TO REGULATE OZONE DEPLETION SUBSTANCE
1-What is ozone layer depletion?
A: Ozone layer depletion refers to the gradual thinning of the upper atmosphere’s ozone layer due to the release of chemical compounds containing gaseous bromine or chlorine from industrial or human activities.-
2-Which substances contribute to ozone layer depletion?
A: Ozone-depleting substances include chlorofluorocarbon, carbon tetrachloride, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and methyl chloroform containing chlorine, as well as halons, methyl bromide, and hydrobromofluorocarbons containing bromine.
3-When was the Montreal Protocol introduced?
A: The Montreal Protocol was introduced in 1987 as an international agreement to prohibit the use, production, and import of ozone-depleting substances, with the aim of reducing their concentration in the atmosphere and protecting the ozone layer.
4-What is the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer?
A: The Vienna Convention, signed in 1985, is an international agreement where UN members recognized the critical importance of preventing damage to the stratospheric ozone layer.
5-When did India become a signatory to the Vienna Convention?
A: India became a signatory to the Vienna Convention on March 18, 1991.
6-What is the Montreal Protocol?
A: The Montreal Protocol, negotiated in 1987, aims to control the consumption and production of anthropogenic ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) and certain hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
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