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 Montreal Protocol success using evidence of participation, legislation, reduced emissions, replacement substances and ozone recovery
- identify limitations including incomplete compliance, illegal trade, exemptions, stockpiles and harmful substitutes
- reach a balanced conclusion about international cooperation, effectiveness, remaining risks and long-term monitoring
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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.
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.
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.
Please see markbands on page 19.
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