GEF

Unit 8  |  Government and Sustainability 171 around the world, since the ozone layer is a protective layer in the atmosphere that shields Earth from harmful incoming ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Recognizing the threat to the global environment, diplomats from all over the world met in 1987 to develop government poli- cies that might slow down or stop the damage caused to the ozone layer by CFCs. The result was the Montreal Protocol . As of October 2016, the Montreal Protocol and its subsequent amendments have been signed by 197 countries. The govern- ments of the member countries have enacted regulations that have successfully stopped the production and spread of CFC chemical use. They also supported research that led to the development of chemicals without ozone-harming effects. Most recently, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol encourages economic incentives by creating market certainty and opening international markets to new technology that is ozone and climate friendly. Most observers and activists con- sider the CFC ban to be a successful example of government action averting a significant environmental threat. CFCs were used in spray cans until they were outlawed. MONTREAL PROTOCOL An international treaty signed in 1987 to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of substances that deplete the ozone layer, specifically CFCs