Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances?
Montreal Protocol
Understanding Ozone Depleting Substances and Global Protocols
The question asks about the international agreement specifically designed to address the control and phasing out of ozone-depleting substances. Protecting the Earth's ozone layer is crucial because it absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
What are Ozone-Depleting Substances?
Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are chemicals, often synthetic, that can reach the stratosphere and break down ozone molecules. Common examples include:
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) - historically used in refrigerants, aerosols, and foam blowing.
- Halons - used in fire extinguishers.
- Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) - used in solvents.
- Methyl Chloroform (CH3CCl3) - used in adhesives and solvents.
- Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) - transitional substances used as substitutes for CFCs.
When these chemicals reach the stratosphere, UV radiation causes them to break down, releasing chlorine and bromine atoms. These atoms then catalyze the destruction of ozone (O3) molecules, thinning the ozone layer.
Identifying the Correct Protocol: Montreal Protocol
Several international agreements exist to address global environmental issues, but only one specifically targets ozone-depleting substances.
- Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer: This is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of substances that deplete it. It was signed in 1987 and has been highly successful in achieving its goals, leading to a significant reduction in the use of ODS. Therefore, the Montreal Protocol is directly associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
Let's look at the other options to understand why they are not associated with ozone-depleting substances:
- Bretton Woods Conference: Held in 1944, this conference established the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), now part of the World Bank Group. Its focus was on post-World War II international monetary and financial order. It has no connection to ozone depletion.
- Kyoto Protocol: This international treaty, adopted in 1997 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), committed industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases contribute to climate change, which is a different environmental issue from ozone depletion, although there can be some interactions.
- Nagoya Protocol: This is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted in 2010. It deals with Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS). It is focused on biodiversity, not ozone-depleting substances.
Comparing the protocols:
| Protocol/Conference | Primary Focus |
|---|---|
| Bretton Woods Conference | International monetary & financial order |
| Montreal Protocol | Control & phasing out of ozone-depleting substances |
| Kyoto Protocol | Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (climate change) |
| Nagoya Protocol | Access to genetic resources & benefit sharing (biodiversity) |
Based on the primary focus of each agreement, the Montreal Protocol is the one directly associated with the issue of control and phasing out of ozone-depleting substances.
Revision Table: Key Environmental Protocols
| Protocol Name | Year Adopted | Main Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal Protocol | 1987 | Phase out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) |
| Kyoto Protocol | 1997 | Reduce greenhouse gas emissions |
| Nagoya Protocol | 2010 | Access & benefit sharing of genetic resources |
Additional Information: Success of the Montreal Protocol
The Montreal Protocol is widely regarded as one of the most successful international environmental treaties. Its widespread ratification and implementation have led to a significant decrease in the atmospheric concentrations of key ozone-depleting substances. Scientists project that the ozone layer is on track to recover to 1980 levels around the middle of the 21st century. This demonstrates the effectiveness of global cooperation in addressing critical environmental challenges like ozone depletion.
The Protocol has also undergone several adjustments and amendments over the years, such as the Kigali Amendment (2016), which aims to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). While HFCs are not ozone-depleting, they are powerful greenhouse gases, and phasing them down contributes to climate change mitigation, showcasing the evolving scope of environmental agreements.
Important Questions from Atmosphere
In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulfur dioxide
5. Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A layer in the Earth's atmosphere called Ionosphere facilitates radio communication. Why?
1) The presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to Earth.
2) Radio waves have a very long wavelength.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The jet aircrafts fly very easily and smoothly in the lower stratosphere. What could be the appropriate explanation?
1) There are no clouds or water vapour in the lower stratosphere.
2) There are no vertical winds in the lower stratosphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct in this context?
The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs
Which of the following statements with reference to Surface inversion of temperature is/are correct? 1. It causes instability in the lower layers of the atmosphere. 2. This inversion commonly lasts for a few hours until the Sun comes up.
