In an article, “The Importance of the Montreal Protocol in Protecting Climate,” published in March in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, DuPont Chief Atmospheric Scientist Mack McFarland, along with four co-authors, concluded that after two decades, the treaty has led to substantial reductions in the emissions of ozone-depleting substances. Research also indicates that the ozone is now recovering.

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed in September 1987. It restricts the use of ozone-depleting substances, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which also are considered greenhouse gases. “More than anything, the example set by the Montreal Protocol clearly shows that international cooperation among all stakeholders, with flexible regulations that stimulate innovation, can lead to rapid progress toward protection of the global environment,” McFarland said.

DuPont advocates an accelerated phase-out of HCFCs, actions to minimize emissions of refrigerants, and adoption of low global-warming-potential (GWP) alternatives, where possible. Last year, the company announced the identification of a low GWP refrigerant for auto air-conditioning applications and is working on leveraging this low-GWP technology to other refrigerant applications. For more information: Visit: www.sustainability.dupont.com.