Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol is a 1987 global agreement that was ratified by the United States in 1988. This agreement strives to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) namely, refrigerants. The stratospheric ozone layer filters out harmful ultraviolet radiation that is associated increased skin cancers, eye cataracts, reduced agricultural productivity, and negatively effecting marine ecosystems. The United States as a leader within this agreement, has taken strong domestic action to phase out the production and consumption of ODS such as refrigerant chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).