30 years of the Montreal Protocol: from phasing out CFCs to phasing out hydrofluorocarbons

30 years after the Montreal Protocol, which led to the successful phase-out of CFCs, progress in protecting the ozone layer is being evaluated. Challenges in dealing with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are used instead of CFCs and are less harmful to the ozone layer, but still have a significant global warming potential, are also analysed

The Montreal Protocol is an impressive success story in global environmental protection. It shows how significant progress can be made through international co-operation and political commitment. The achievements of the Protocol have not only protected the ozone layer, but have also paved the way for future environmental and climate protection measures. To advance environmental protection and stop anthropogenic climate change, co-operation at a global level is essential.

The challenge now is to use the experience and expertise gained from this success to actively work on removing current obstacles to environmental protection.

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