Question

Which global agreement protects the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS)?

• A. Kyoto protocol
• B. Montreal protocol
• C. Paris agreement
• D. Stockholm agreement

Hint:

• The Montreal Protocol is the landmark international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer.
• It achieves this by phasing out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) like CFCs and halons.
• It is considered one of the most successful international environmental agreements.
• Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement deal with climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Stockholm Convention deals with Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The global agreement specifically designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by controlling and phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) is the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

• Montreal Protocol (1987): This international treaty was signed in 1987 and has undergone several revisions. It targets ODS such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform. It has been remarkably successful in reducing the atmospheric concentrations of these harmful chemicals, and the ozone layer is showing signs of recovery.

Let's look at the other options:

• Kyoto Protocol (1997) (option a): An international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming and climate change. It is related to climate change, not directly ozone layer protection (though some ODS are also potent greenhouse gases).
• Paris Agreement (2015) (option c): A global agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) dealing with greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, adaptation, and finance, starting in the year 2020. It also focuses on climate change.
• Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2001) (option d): An international environmental treaty aimed at eliminating or restricting the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which are toxic chemicals that persist in the environment and bioaccumulate. While important for environmental protection, its primary focus is not ozone layer depletion. (Note: There is also an older "Stockholm Declaration" from 1972 related to human environment, but the Stockholm Convention is more specific to POPs).

Therefore, the Montreal Protocol is the correct answer. \[ \boxed{\text{Montreal protocol}} \]