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Atmosphere

The earth’s atmosphere is negatively affected by air pollution from human activity. In fact, air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year. World Health Organization (WHO) data shows 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants.

Different forms of atmospheric pollution have different consequences. First, factories, power plants and vehicles produce sulfur and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants can cause respiratory ailments and aggravate conditions such as asthma. They can also cause acid rain, or acid deposition, which harms trees, lakes and streams and the wildlife that live there. Second, industrial processes and explosions may release harmful particulate matter into the atmosphere, which the wind then spreads around the world. This is of particular concern when winds spread pesticides, radioactivity, or other hazardous material. Third, the stratospheric ozone layer is needed to absorb most of the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Some manmade chemicals, especially refrigerants, can rise into the stratosphere, react chemically with the ozone molecules, and eat away at the earth’s ozone layer. Increased UV rays can cause increases in certain types of skin cancers, eye cataracts, and immune deficiency disorders. They  also affect plant growth, reducing agricultural productivity.

Events and Articles

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Showing 1 - 10 of 53 results

13th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (COP13) and 36th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MOP36)

Delegates will tackle key questions in enhancing the protection of both ozone layer and climate, including how parties will fund atmospheric monitoring sites to bridge information gaps, manage remaining emissions of controlled substances, and address uncertainties about substances not controlled by the Protocol.
Conference of the Parties (COP) 27 October 2024 - 1 November 2024

Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

When scientists discovered a hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica in 1985, the world was struck with fear. Reaction was swift. Public health experts immediately warned that rising intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation may greatly increase the incidence of skin cancer and cataracts as well as significantly damage global crops and the marine food chain.
Article

46th Meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol

How will parties fund new atmospheric monitoring sites? How is the Protocol managing implementation challenges? Should it regulate new substances, which may or may not have ozone-depleting potential? How will parties address trade in obsolete equipment? Delegates began to answer these questions and more.
Event 8 July 2024 - 12 July 2024

45th Meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol

Science has been the cornerstone of the Montreal Protocol’s success since its inception and non-negotiated scientific assessments have informed decision-making that has helped to heal the Earth’s ozone layer. But there are a number of new challenges to the Protocol’s effective implementation, which were the focus of the week’s meeting.
Event 2 July 2023 - 7 July 2023

34th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MOP34)

Despite phasing out 98% of ozone depleting substances worldwide relative to a 1990 baseline and making major inroads in avoiding catastrophic climate change, parties grappled with recent scientific findings, whether and how to build on the Protocol’s success to tackle other environmental issues, and delivering on the Kigali commitments.
Conference of the Parties (COP) 31 October 2022 - 4 November 2022

44th Meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (OEWG-44) and 5th Extraordinary Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (ExMOP-5)

The first in-person meeting in over two years replenished the Multilateral Fund and addressed questions of gaps in global monitoring of ozone depleting substances, specific usage and production of methyl bromide and carbon tetrachloride, and energy efficiency and phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons that contribute to climate change.
Conference of the Parties (COP) 11 July 2022 - 16 July 2022

Combined 12th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Vienna Convention (Part II) and 33rd Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol

Delegates discussed closing gaps in monitoring of ozone depleting substances as well as low global-warming potential and energy efficient technologies. They adopted 18 decisions, including on compliance and reporting, to ensure the Convention and the Protocol protect the ozone layer and combat climate change.
Conference of the Parties (COP) 23 October 2021 - 29 October 2021