Question

Global agreement to reduce the release of ODS is?
A. Vienna convention
B. Rio de Janeiro conference
C. Kyoto protocol
D. Montreal protocol

Answer 1

Hint: ODS stands for ozone-depleting substance; these are chemicals which contribute to depletion of the ozone layer. Chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) halon, carbon tetrachloride, etc. are some of the examples of these substances.

Complete answer: The Montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer, also known as the Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion. As a result of the international agreement, the ozone hole in Antarctica is slowly recovering. The treaty is structured around several groups of halogenated hydrocarbons that deplete the stratospheric ozone. All of the ozone-depleting substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol contain either chlorine or bromine. Some ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are not yet controlled by the Montreal Protocol, including the nitrous oxide. The Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer was designed to reduce the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances in order to reduce their abundance in the atmosphere, and thereby protecting the ozone layer of the Earth. Recognising the deleterious effects on the ozone layer, this international treaty named the Montreal Protocol was signed in Canada in 1987 for the control purpose. The Montreal Protocol’s success is attributed to its effective burden-sharing and solution proposals, which helped to mitigate the regional conflicts of interest, compared to the shortcomings of the global regulatory approach of the Kyoto Protocol.
Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Note: The ways to protect the ozone layer from the depletion are:
i. Avoid the consumption of gases dangerous to the ozone layer, due to their content or manufacturing process.
ii. Minimize the use of cars or private transport and use public ones instead.
iii. Buy local products.
iv. Do not use cleansing products that are extremely harmful to the environment and to us.