Montreal Protocol Helpful in the Ozone Layer’s Recovery

Category: Science/Environment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. concerted / kənˈsɚtəd / (adj) – planned and done together by several people
    Example:

    The ocean cleanup was a concerted effort of four organizations.


  2. deplete / dɪˈpliːt / (v) – to greatly lessen the size or amount of something
    Example:

    The fish population in the sea is depleting because of illegal fishing.


  3. aggravate / ˈægrəˌveɪt / (v) – to worsen a problem or a bad situation
    Example:

    Activities in factories aggravate air pollution.


  4. compel / kəmˈpɛl / (v) – to force someone to do an action
    Example:

    Most local governments are compelling its citizens to use paper bags instead of plastic bags.


  5. phase down / feɪz daʊn / (phrasal) – to slowly lessen the amount or size of something by stages
    Example:

    The use of harmful pesticides was phased down over three years.


Article

Read the text below.

The ozone layer is slowly recovering from damage due to the concerted efforts of countries that signed the Montreal / ˌmɑn.tɹiˈɔl / Protocol.


The ozone layer is a part of the upper atmosphere that protects the earth’s surface against harmful solar radiation. In 1985, experts found that this layer is depleting due to people’s excessive use of hazardous chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These are commonly found in aerosol sprays, refrigerators, and air conditioners. CFCs are known to aggravate ozone depletion and global warming.


However, in November, the United Nations reported that the ozone layer is healing from the damage. According to the report, the ozone layer’s recovery rate since 2000 is at around 1% to 3% per decade. Experts also predict that the ozone layer can completely heal by 2060 if the current rates of recovery continue.


Experts attribute the ozone’s recovery to the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement that compels governments to minimize and eliminate the use of ozone-depleting chemicals. According to Durwood Zaelke from the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development, the agreement successfully phased down the production of CFCs. He added that this effort also greatly reduced global warming-related problems.


Despite the ozone layer’s recovery, an atmospheric professor from Colorado claims that it is still too early to celebrate. In addition, there is still a growing concern regarding the increased use of CFCs, particularly in China where construction activities cause the emission of CFCs.


Nevertheless, the Chinese government assured that it would track and terminate these construction sites. China is also keen on strengthening its ties with other countries to ensure the Montreal Protocol’s success.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• In your opinion, is the implementation of the Montreal Protocol enough to protect the ozone layer? Why or why not?
• In what ways can your country help in the recovery of the ozone layer? Discuss your ideas.

Discussion B

• Why is it important to create environment-related international agreements?
• If you were to create an international agreement about the environment, what would it be about? Discuss.