The healing of the ozone layer with over 99 per cent of ozone-depleting substances phased out is often cited as an excellent example of how humanity can work together to counter environmental problems.
Restoring ozone in the atmosphere is seen as a major success in the scientific and nonscientific world for fighting back on human-related climate change.
While ozone depletion involves the protective layer in the stratosphere, it acts as a climate issue because the chemicals causing it (such as CFCs) are also potent greenhouse gases that trap heat. Additionally, the ozone hole affects atmospheric circulation, specifically cooling the Antarctic while accelerating climate change in the Southern Hemisphere.
There are lessons to be drawn from successful interventions to counter ozone depletion and how they can apply to other global environmental issues.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres advised that ‘The healing of the ozone layer reminds us when we heed the warnings of science, progress is possible.’
As Inger Andersen Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, stated when addressing the 35th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol in 2022, we need ‘action, and action now’.
As cited in Andersen (Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences)
‘The United Nations, national governments, citizens and companies came together for the public good…These individuals, who became ‘ozone champions’, often acted alone and with great courage when they were sideways and crossways to the organisations where they were employed’.
From the first research in 1975, it took just 16 years for the world to discuss, agree and put in place a solution that reversed the trend. The burden was shared. From 1991 to 2005, pledges to phase out CFCs and other ozone-depleting gases totalled $3.1bn.
An examination of the time-line of initiatives to counter ozone depletion points to key elements that contribute to success:
- Fast action
- Clear data presentation
- A tiered plan
- Accountability and integrity, &
- Continuation
(See more details below.)
The ozone depletion turnaround success began with quick understandings and action. In 1985, British scientists Joe Farman, Brian Gardiner and Jon Shanklin discovered abnormally low levels of ozone concentration in the stratosphere. This was subsequently linked to production and use of ozone depleting substances (ODS). These substances are mainly used for refrigeration, air conditioning, and fire suppressants.
Only two years after this discovery, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer came into effect. This urgent problem resulted in near-immediate action.
The Protocol is a landmark international treaty designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) like CFCs and halons. As the first universally ratified treaty, it has successfully reduced ODS, allowing the ozone layer to recover and aiding climate change mitigation. When it comes to large scale solutions, it is never a ‘one size fits all’ for nations.
By 1991, Australia and other developed countries began phasing out CFCs (the most potent ODS). In that same year, the Multilateral Fund was created, funded by three UN programs and the World Bank. This resource aided developing countries to cut out these substances as well.
The Montreal Protocol of 1987 ensured that each nation was given appropriate goals, as nations have varying levels of infrastructure.
These efforts did not stop with one step. There have been continued efforts to cut out harmful substances, such as through the Kigali Amendment. This amendment to the Montreal Protocol, implemented in 2019, has begun to cut out HFCs, a variation of CFCs, as more data on the impact of their harmful nature is revealed.
The data proved that the efforts are helpful, which further promotes these regulations worldwide. The Montreal Protocol continues to prevent significant greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
On a human level, this Protocol is estimated to have prevented 2 million cases per year from skin cancer.
So, what are the key strategies for environmental interventions?
- Fast action
When scientists discover a global-scale climate issue, real steps are taken by the UN to diminish this issue quickly.
- Clear data presentation
Once it is discovered that the product or item is harmful to the environment, that data is clearly presented to all.
- Tiered plan
Just as the Montreal Protocol was made to accommodate different levels of infrastructure in various countries, a tiered plan makes solutions realistic. Countries can only follow through on promises that are plausible. Funds and resources, like the Multilateral Fund, can contribute to helping nations struggling with infrastructure.
- Accountability and Integrity
Each nation that agrees to a plan needs to follow through within their policies and practices. The states must hold each other accountable to make real change.
- Continuation
The Montreal Protocol and corresponding amendments continue to improve on the issue of ODS. As more research emerges and knowledge is gained about long-term effects of issues, original plans continue to be improved upon.
Other environmental issues that need ‘action, and action now’.
Citing the steps listed above, other environmental issues that the UN is working to address can follow a similar structure to eliminating ODS.
- PFAS (Forever chemicals)
PFAS have been used since the 1950s for making products water-, heat-, stain-, and grease-resistant. They are toxic to humans and the environment, staying in systems for unknown long amounts of time. They have links to cancer, immune system issues, and reproductive issues. Their toxicity has been known by the industry since the 1970s, though this data was hidden from the widespread medical community until the 1990s. This lack of fast action stalls progress. The lack of transparency and action for the greater good is arguably due to a lack of environmental and health-related regulation within industries. Under the Stockholm Convention, PFAS should be eliminated, but clear plans are not established enough. Effective solutions are barely underway, but could be aided by clear and effective global action.
- HHP (Highly hazardous pesticide use)
We generally think of pesticides as harmful to humans and the environment, yet HHPs are those that are disproportionately harmful compared to others. HHPs were originally defined by their damage to humans and the environment in 2009, Some of the actions taken to date are outlined here in case studies in 2023 by the UN. While some developed countries have taken actions against their use, with Australia banning a few, many believe that these small steps are not significant enough to make a meaningful difference. Unified action needs to be taken in order to significantly reduce the harms of HHP use.
Essentially, these pressing, environmental issues can be diminished by immediate global action and unity. Nations must hold each other accountable for their actions. Clear and fast governmental action can help improve environmental issues globally.
Article by Katie Murray
Photo By Suki Lee