Discuss the objective, and the success, of the 1987 Montreal Protocol. To what factors do scientists attribute its success?

What will be an ideal response?


The objective of the Montreal Protocol was to reduce the use of CFCs, which were contributing to the growth of the ozone hole, and which, subsequently, would increase the probability of humans developing skin cancer. The world community came together in 1987 to craft the Montreal Protocol, which has now been signed by over 180 nations. At this convention, nations agreed to cut CFC production in half. Today, the production and use of ozone-depleting compounds has fallen 95% since the late 1980s, and scientists can discern the beginnings of long-term recovery of the ozone layer. For these reasons, the Montreal Protocol and its follow-up amendments are widely considered to be the biggest success story thus far in addressing a global environmental problem. Environmental scientists have attributed this success primarily to scientific research that proceeded rapidly and used the latest technologies, government and industry working together to develop technological fixes and replacement chemicals. Finally, the process successfully followed an adaptive management approach, which allowed for changing strategies midstream in response to new scientific data, technological advances, or economic figures.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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A person on the edge of a roof throws a ball downward. It strikes the ground with 100 J of kinetic energy. The person throws an identical ball upward with the same initial speed, and this too falls to the ground

Neglecting air resistance, the second ball hits the ground with a kinetic energy of A) 100 J. B) 200 J. C) less than 100 J. D) more than 200 J. E) none of the above

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The Köppen system of climatic classification ________

A) is the most recent numerical system B) is seldom used today C) uses human comfort to determine climate boundaries D) uses data difficult to obtain E) is the most widely used classification system

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Both the Aborigines and the Maori had long periods of time to establish their _______________ in the region before the Europeans arrived.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences