Worldwide Drop in Ozone-Depleting Gases

One of the world’s most successful environmental agreements was signed over thirty years ago. Today, major progress is being made.

Thanks to international environmental cooperation, various harmful, ozone-depleting gases have and are currently being phased out of use. It is considered to be a big milestone in the recovery of Earth’s ozone layer.

Back in 1985, scientists discovered a hole in the ozone layer. Soon after, every United Nations member state enacted the Montreal Protocol after being ratified. It aimed to reduce the release of ozone-depleting substances into the atmosphere, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Initially, countries received a transition period to phase out CFCs. During this time, many turned to propane, which has been proven not to deplete the Earth’s ozone. The most recent studies reveal that these transitions have dropped levels of CFCs and HCFCs in the atmosphere. A global target to end production of HCFCs is set for 2040.