Another Historic Win for the Ozone Layer

Almost 200 countries agreed to a new United Nations framework that will speed up the elimination of ozone-depleting chemicals, according to Reuters. The level of ozone-depleting chemicals in the stratosphere has decreased since nations began phasing out their use following the 1987 Montreal Protocol. But because the man-made chemicals are so long lived, and because some remain in use, the ozone layer isn't expected to fully recover for several decades.

This agreement will allow for a speedier recovery -- and also do a small part to help the fight against global warming, since some of the same chemicals that deplete the protective ozone layer have a role in the heat-trapping greenhouse effect. The Montreal Protocol is seen by many as not only a great success for global environmental action, but also a potential model for international cooperation on curbing pollution that causes global warming.

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