About this service

"Asking a question means engaging with an adventure of carrying out an exploration and reaching out to the borders of the universe of knowledge."

That's how some philosophers describe the search for knowledge. The DTIE OzonAction Programme is providing you with an opportunity to expand your knowledge about key issues related to compliance with the Montreal Protocol.

Your questions, and the answers provided by the staff of UNEP's Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP), will stimulate public dialogue and provide a better understanding of ozone issues and the efforts to protect the ozone layer.

"When the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed twenty years ago, it was far from certain that such a turnaround was possible. At that time, the world spewed out nearly two million tons of ozone-depleting substances annually. These chemicals were used in agriculture and in refrigeration, in pharmaceuticals as well as in furniture manufacture. Their pervasiveness led some to believe that eliminating them was both impractical and unattainable.

Twenty years later, the developed world has nearly phased out these substances. And their use in the developing world has plummeted by over 80 percent. I congratulate all Parties to the Montreal Protocol for this remarkable achievement. Their vision and commitment have translated into real gains."

That is how UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described the Montreal Protocol in his message on the 20th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol in September 2007.

But why is the Montreal Protocol considered a success? What are the parameters of its success? What technologies are being put in place to save the ozone layer? Which parts of society and sectors of industry are affected? Have alternative technologies been easy to develop? How are governments in developing countries participating in its implementation? What is the role of developed countries? What are the upcoming challenges? Is the Protocol's success to date because it has clear time-bound targets? What lessons can be gleaned from the implementation of this treaty? Is the success replicable or is it unique?

Now you have opportunity to raise these and any other related questions, technical or otherwise. The questions could be about global, regional or country-level issues related to the Montreal Protocol or ozone depletion.

You may pose these questions to our team of OzonAction. We will designate one Q&A coordinator for each session where he will answer the question or contact a relevant expert from the Montreal Protocol Assessment Panels, industry or national focal points to get you the best response.

Let us interact to understand the real dimension of the Montreal Protocol. Let us embark on a knowledge adventure and reach out to others.

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