A recent study has revealed significant progress in the fight to reduce atmospheric levels of ozone-depleting chemicals, confirming the effectiveness of historical regulations restricting their production.
The report, led by the University of Bristol and published in Nature Climate Change, shows for the first time a significant decrease in atmospheric levels of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), potent ozone-depleting substances that deplete the ozone layer. ozone layer (ODS). These HCFCs, also recognized as greenhouse gases, when reduced, contribute to mitigating global warming. global warming .
Effectiveness of the Montreal Treaty on the ozone layer
The Montreal Protocol, agreed internationally in 1987, introduced controls on the production and use of ODS, which were used in the manufacture of numerous products such as refrigerators, aerosols, foams and packaging. HCFCs emerged as substitutes for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), the production of which has been banned globally since 2010, although HCFCs are still being phased out.
Dr. Luke Western, lead author and research fellow in the School of Chemistry at the University of Bristol, said the results are very encouraging, highlighting the importance of international protocols. Without the Montreal Protocol Without the Montreal Protocol, these achievements would not have been possible, underscoring the value of multilateral commitments to combat ozone depletion and the additional benefits in the fight against climate change.
Progress on HCFC phase-out
The study reveals that the total chlorine contained in all HCFCs, which is responsible for ozone depletion, peaked in 2021. As these compounds are also greenhouse gases, their contribution to climate change also peaked that year, five years ahead of schedule. Although the reduction between 2021 and 2023 was less than 1%, it indicates a positive trend in the decrease of HCFC emissions.
Dr. Western added that HCFC production is being phased out globally, with an expected end date of 2040. These HCFCs are being replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other non-ozone depleting compounds. By imposing strict controls and encouraging the use of ozone-friendly alternatives, the protocol has succeeded in lowering HCFC levels in the atmosphere.
Atmospheric gas monitoring accuracy
The results are based on high-precision measurements at global atmospheric observatories, using data from the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gas Experiment (AGAGE) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Dr. Martin Vollmer, co-author of the study and atmospheric scientist at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA), noted that highly sensitive measurement techniques and comprehensive protocols were used to ensure the reliability of the observations. For his part, Dr. Isaac Vimont, a research scientist at NOAA in the United States, underscored the critical need for proactive environmental monitoring to ensure that other greenhouse and ozone-depleting gases follow a similar trend, thus protecting the planet for future generations.
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Source: University of Bristol
Photo: Shutterstock
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