Montreal Protocol
( UPSC Prelims)
News Context
The 37th Meeting of the parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MOP37) recently concluded, emphasizing discrepancies in the reporting of hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs) emissions and other related issues.
About Montreal Protocol
● Signed: 1987 (came into effect in 1989; India ratified in 1992)
○ A global legally binding treaty aimed at eliminating the production and use of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Halons, Carbon Tetrachloride, Methyl Chloroform, and Hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs).
● Implemented under the Vienna Convention (adopted in 1985).
● Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol: Adopted in 2016 to reduce the production and consumption of HFCs (which are not ODS but are potent greenhouse gases).
● Success:
○ Nearly 99% of banned ODS have been phased out globally.
○ The Ozone layer is projected to return to its 1980 levels by 2040, provided current policies continue.
○ Recovery over the Antarctic is anticipated by around 2066, and by 2045 over the Arctic.
About HFCs
• Synthetic gases mainly utilized for cooling and refrigeration purposes.
• Extremely potent, short-lived climate pollutants with an average atmospheric lifespan of 15 years.
• They have a global warming potential that is 3,790 times greater than CO2 over a 20-year timeframe.
• Serve as a non-ODS alternative to Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
India’s Key Achievements under MP
● Phased out Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Carbon Tetrachloride (CTC), and halons for controlled use by 2010, ahead of Montreal Protocol (MP) Schedules.
○ Implemented Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) (Regulation and Control) Rules in 2000, prohibiting CFCs and halons in new equipment by 2003.
○ Achieved the 2013 Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) freeze and the 2015 10% reduction targets under the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) Stage-I, eliminating 341.77 Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) tonnes.