What is the primary goal of the Montreal Protocol?

The primary goal of the Montreal Protocol is to reduce and eliminate the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs are synthetic compounds that have been found to deplete the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987 and amended several times since, was established to bring nations together in a concerted effort to phase out the production and consumption of substances that harm the ozone layer, particularly CFCs.

By targeting CFCs, the Protocol aims to restore the ozone layer and mitigate the adverse health and environmental impacts associated with ozone depletion, such as increased skin cancer rates and disruptions to ecosystems. The success of the Montreal Protocol in phasing out CFCs is evident in the gradual recovery of the ozone layer since its implementation, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing global environmental issues.