Montreal Protocol 1987 in a Nutshell
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by: DanielStouffer | Total views: 94 | Word Count: 537
Officially called the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer, or Montreal Protocol 1987, for short, the international treaty is aimed at lessening the harm to the stratospheric ozone layer by air pollutants, among them refrigerant gases. The ozone layer shields the earth from detrimental UV-B radiation. If damage to the ozone layer continues, it will cause increased cases of skin cancer, ruin crops and harm marine phytoplankton.
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.
The identification of environmentally harmful substances was initially set forth in the international Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer agreement. When it expired in 1985, Montreal Protocol 1987 took its place. Amendments were made in 1990 and 1992, extending the 2000 phase out deadline. The changes allowed developed countries to continue production of chlorofluorocarbons, but only up to 15% of their 1986 baseline. This ease in requirements was made because developing countries needed chlorofluorocarbons for necessary items, among them medical devices. But developing companies must phase out their use of 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.
In establishing a timeframe for reducing the use of ozone depleting substances, Montreal Protocol 1987 looked at scientific, environmental, technical and economic information. Several reports are looking into alternatives that can be used to replace ozone depleting substances in the areas of 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.
Because various industries have focused their efforts on air pollutants, the use of many ozone depleting substances has already been greatly reduced. As a result, the Montreal Protocol 1987 agreement is ahead of schedule in its goals. The focus, however, remains on companies and industries that fail to comply with the protocols under the agreement.
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.
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Daniel Stouffer has much more information on the importance of adequate refrigerant gas management and the importance of the Montreal Protocol 1987.
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