The Montreal Protocol to Protect Stratospheric Ozone Layer

Presenter

Caitlyn Elizabeth Wellington

Campus

Springfield Technical Community College

Sponsor

Reena Randhir, Department of Biology, Springfield Technical Community College

Schedule

Session 4, 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A6, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 1 (A1-A20) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

The ozone layer protects life on earth by forming a natural cover in the stratosphere by absorbing the UV radiation from the sun. It completely blocks UV-C radiation and most of the UV-B radiation. However with rising greenhouse gases and temperatures the pollutants started to thin this shield and increase UV radiation levels causing skin cancer and cataracts in humans. It also affects agricultural productivity, phytoplankton growth and harms marine animals. Ozone loss has a cooling effect that change atmospheric circulation patterns that further drives climate change. Hence the world nations came together to execute the Montreal Protocol in 1987. This was to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by gradually phasing out the production and consumption of harmful ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The objective of this research is to assess the outcome of this treaty towards restoring the Ozone layer by using a detailed literature review and analyzing reports from the United Nations Environment Program. There are over a hundred synthetic chemicals that are considered ODS and the most harmful ones being chlorofluorocarbons, halons and carbon tetrachloride from refrigeration, air conditioning and insulation materials. As of now this agreement has successfully phased out 98% of ODS globally compared to 1990 levels thereby protecting our earth and climate. A full restoration of the Ozone layer is expected by 2050 and without this the ozone depletion would have increased tenfold by that time instead. To conclude, this Montreal Protocol is a success story of environmental conservation protecting human health showing that when countries come together we can achieve anything and solve any problem. It positively contributes to Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

Keywords

climate change, ozone depletion, sustainable future, ultraviolet radiation

Research Area

Climate Science

SIMILAR ABSTRACTS (BY KEYWORD)