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UPSC » Daily News Analysis ‘Ozone-depleting substances (ODS)’ :14 June

Daily News Analysis ‘Ozone-depleting substances (ODS)’ :14 June

Recent research highlights the first significant reduction in atmospheric levels of harmful ODS hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

Table of Content

About:

  • Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are chemicals that lead to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer, which protects Earth by absorbing most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation.
  • Examples: chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform, used in refrigerators, air conditioners, fire extinguishers, and aerosols.

International Conventions:

  • The Montreal Protocol, established in 1987, aims to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ODS, including CFCs, with a global ban effective since 2010.
  • The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, adopted in 2016, targets a global phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are used as substitutes for more harmful ODS like HCFCs and CFCs.

Why in the news: 

  • Recent research highlights the first significant reduction in atmospheric levels of harmful ODS hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).