Healing the Ozone Layer Through Diplomacy

This policy brief examines the success of the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol in phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS). It highlights the synergy between science, diplomacy, and the private sector, noting that the regime has not only facilitated the recovery of the ozone layer but has also provided significant climate co-benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

• The Montreal Protocol and the Vienna Convention have prevented significant public health crises and environmental damage. Specifically, they are credited with avoiding 63 million cataract cases and 2 million annual skin cancer cases. In the United States alone, the treaties are estimated to have prevented 443 million additional skin cancer cases and 2.3 million deaths by 2100, including 8-10 million cases of malignant melanoma. Additionally, the agreements prevented a 6% global reduction in plant production for every 10% loss in ozone.
• The Montreal Protocol has delivered substantial climate co-benefits because many ozone-depleting substances also act as potent greenhouse gases. In 2010, the Protocol's emissions reductions were between 9.7 and 12.5 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent, which is approximately five to six times the target of the Kyoto Protocol. Furthermore, the Protocol delayed the increase in climate forcing by 7-12 years.
• The Kigali Amendment specifically targets hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). While HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, they possess a high global warming potential and were used as substitutes for hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The implementation of the Kigali Amendment could potentially prevent 0.4°C of global warming by the year 2100.
• The success of the ozone regime is attributed to a flexible framework and the recognition of 'common but differentiated responsibilities.' The Protocol distinguishes between Article 2 parties (those with technical and monetary capacity) and Article 5 parties (developing countries needing assistance). To support compliance, the Multilateral Fund provides financial resources, and differentiated phase-out schedules are used to create a more even playing field.
• Private sector cooperation was essential to the Protocol's efficacy. DuPont, once the leading manufacturer of CFCs, committed to a complete phase-out and closed its final production facility in 1999. Other examples include Daikin providing free access to patents for low ozone-depleting potential substances and Coca-Cola aiming for HFC-free coolers and vending machines by 2015.
• The ozone layer is projected to return to pre-1980 levels, though recovery timelines vary by region. Full recovery is expected by the 2030s for the mid-latitudes and most of the northern hemisphere, by the 2050s for the southern hemisphere, and later this century for the area above Antarctica.
• Despite overall success, several challenges remain: the need for cost-effective alternatives for applications currently under 'essential use exemptions,' the continued use of HFCs despite available alternatives, and the risk of ODS leaking from old refrigeration and air conditioning equipment if not properly reclaimed.

APA

Helfenstein,, K. (2021). Healing the Ozone Layer Through Diplomacy. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/articles/healing-ozone-layer

Chicago

Helfenstein,, Kate. Healing the Ozone Layer Through Diplomacy. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2021. https://www.iisd.org/articles/healing-ozone-layer.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Helfenstein, |first1=Kate |title=Healing the Ozone Layer Through Diplomacy |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=13 September 2021 |url=https://www.iisd.org/articles/healing-ozone-layer |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{helfenstein2021healing, author = {Helfenstein,, Kate}, title = {{Healing the Ozone Layer Through Diplomacy}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2021}, month = sep, url = {https://www.iisd.org/articles/healing-ozone-layer}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }