IB ESS HL 6.4.9 Montreal Protocol Success Questions
Practise IB ESS HL 006.004.009 by applying montreal protocol success concepts to environmental systems questions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- evaluate evidence that the Montreal Protocol reduced ozone-depleting-substance emissions
- interpret predicted return of stratospheric ozone to 1980 levels as evidence of success
- judge the effectiveness and validity of the Montreal Protocol using ozone-hole data and treaty outcomes
IB ESS HL 6.4.9 Montreal Protocol Success Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 9]
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987) is one of the most successful international agreements on a major environmental issue.
Discuss the validity of this statement.
Answers may demonstrate:
Understanding concepts and terminology such as ozone depleting substances (halogenated organic gases/chlorofluorocarbons CFCs); Use in aerosols, gas-blown plastics, pesticides, flame retardants and refrigerants; ozone destruction and reformation and dynamic equilibrium; ozone holes; management strategies, laws, legislation implemented in response to Montreal Protocol; multilateral fund; black market ODS; development of alternatives and their impacts; HFCs; ozone depleting substances not covered by Montreal Protocol (e.g. dichloromethane); other international environmental agreements (e.g. Kyoto protocol/Paris agreement/COP agreements/CITES etc);
Breadth in addressing and linking a range of strategies, laws, legislation implemented in response to Montreal Protocol and their success in reducing ozone depletion; relative success of other international agreements;
Examples national laws and regulations to decrease production and consumption of CFCs; including recycling refrigerants, developing alternatives to CFCs (such as HFCs), gas-blown plastics, halogenated pesticides, propellants and aerosols; examples of illegal markets and continued use; examples of other international environmental agreements;
Balanced Analysis evaluating the extent to which the protocol has been successful in terms of international cooperation; speed and extent of ozone recovery; impacts of alternatives; degree of international cooperation; comparison with other international environmental agreements.
A conclusion that is consistent with and supported by analysis and examples given e.g.: Compared with many of the UN attempts to produce international agreements regarding climate change the Montreal Protocol has been significantly more successful particularly in the extent of international support attained. However, the degree of success in specifically restoring the ozone layer may be limited due to black market sales and impacts of new ODS not covered by the Protocol.
The following guide for using the markbands suggests certain features that may be offered in responses. The five headings coincide with the criteria in each of the markbands (although ESS terminology has been conflated with 'understanding concepts') This guide simply provides some possible inclusions and should not be seen as requisite or comprehensive. It outlines the kind of elements to look for when deciding on the appropriate markband and the specific mark within that band.
Section B, part (c) markbands
0: The response does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below and is not relevant to the question.
1–3: The response contains:
• minimal evidence of knowledge and understanding of ESS issues or concepts
• fragmented knowledge statements poorly linked to the context of the question
• some appropriate use of ESS terminology
• no examples where required, or examples with insufficient explanation/relevance
• superficial analysis that amounts to no more than a list of facts/ideas
• judgments/conclusions that are vague or not supported by evidence/argument.
4–6: The response contains:
• some evidence of sound knowledge and understanding of ESS issues and concepts
• knowledge statements effectively linked to the context of the question
• largely appropriate use of ESS terminology
• some use of relevant examples where required, but with limited explanation
• clear analysis that shows a degree of balance
• some clear judgments/conclusions, supported by limited evidence/arguments.
7–9: The response contains:
• substantial evidence of sound knowledge and understanding of ESS issues and concepts
• a wide breadth of knowledge statements effectively linked with each other, and to the context of the question
• consistently appropriate and precise use of ESS terminology
• effective use of pertinent, well-explained examples, where required, showing some originality
• thorough, well-balanced, insightful analysis
• explicit judgments/conclusions that are well-supported by evidence/arguments and that include some critical reflection.
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