--- title: "Montreal Protocol and control of ODS in Nepal" subject: "Environment and Pollution Control" chapter: 7 key: "semester_7/environment_and_pollution_control:montreal-protocol-nepal-ods-control" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/environment_and_pollution_control/montreal-protocol-nepal-ods-control site: BCT Engineering --- # Montreal Protocol and control of ODS in Nepal Environment and Pollution Control · Chapter 7: Global issues and responsible development practices - Asked in: year not given, 6 marks - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/environment_and_pollution_control/montreal-protocol-nepal-ods-control - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/environment_and_pollution_control/chapter-7 ## Question Explain the Montreal Protocol and how it controls CFCs and HCFCs. Mention the steps taken to control ozone depleting substances (ODS) in Nepal. ## Short answer The Montreal Protocol 1987 sets binding phase-out schedules for CFCs and HCFCs, with amendments and a Multilateral Fund. Nepal, party since 1994, controls ODS through the ODS Rules 2001, licensing, the National Ozone Unit, the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan, technician training, and achieved CFC phase-out by 2010. ## Answer #### Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol The **Vienna Convention (1985)** set up international cooperation to protect the ozone layer. The **Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987)** is the treaty with binding limits on the production and consumption of ozone depleting substances (ODS). It has been amended several times (London 1990, Copenhagen 1992, Montreal 1997, Beijing 1999) and is regarded as the most successful environmental agreement. Key features: - **Controlled substances:** CFCs, halons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform (fast phase-out), HCFCs (transitional substitutes), methyl bromide, HBFCs. - **Phase-out schedule:** developed countries phased out CFCs by 1996; developing countries (Article 5 parties) by 2010, after a grace period of about 10 years. - **HCFCs:** a freeze in 2013 for developing countries, with step reductions to 97.5% phase-out by 2030 and complete phase-out by 2040 (the small remainder being for servicing). HFCs replace them but are greenhouse gases, so the **Kigali Amendment (2016)** phases down HFCs. - **Trade restrictions** with non-parties, and reporting of data. - **Multilateral Fund** gives financial and technical help to developing countries, following the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities". #### Control of ODS in Nepal - Nepal became a party to the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol in 1994 and is an Article 5 country. - The **Ozone Depleting Substances Consumption (Control) Rules, 2001 (2058 BS)** under the Environment Protection Act regulate the import, export, sale and use of ODS through licensing and quotas. Imports of CFC-based equipment are restricted. - The **National Ozone Unit**, housed in the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (under the Ministry of Industry), coordinates implementation; the Department of Customs checks imports. - Nepal prepared the **HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP)**, trained refrigeration technicians and customs officers, and promoted recovery and recycling of refrigerants and their replacement with non-ODS refrigerants (hydrocarbons, HFCs). - Nepal reported the phase-out of CFC consumption in line with the 2010 target (as per the Ozone Unit reports). ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. What is the Montreal Protocol (1987)? A. A voluntary guideline with no limits B. A treaty with binding limits on production and consumption of ODS C. A treaty on river water sharing D. A treaty on hazardous waste movement Answer: B. It sets binding limits on ODS; the Vienna Convention (1985) only set up cooperation. (Key point: Treaty purpose) 2. Why was the Kigali Amendment (2016) needed? A. HFCs replace ODS but are greenhouse gases B. HFCs deplete ozone strongly C. CFCs were still permitted D. Halons were unregulated Answer: A. HFCs do not deplete ozone but are potent greenhouse gases, so Kigali phases them down. (Key point: HCFCs and Kigali) 3. Which legal instrument regulates ODS in Nepal? A. Basel rules 1989 B. ODS Consumption (Control) Rules, 2001, under the Environment Protection Act, with licensing and quotas C. Kigali Rules 2016 D. No law exists Answer: B. Nepal regulates import, export, sale and use of ODS through the 2001 Rules, with licensing and quotas. (Key point: Nepal's regulation) ## Related in Environment and Pollution Control - [Stratospheric ozone depletion mechanism and effects](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fenvironment_and_pollution_control%3Aozone-depletion-mechanism-effects) — Environment and Pollution Control, chapter 7 - [Water quality parameters and Nepal drinking water standards](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fenvironment_and_pollution_control%3Anepal-drinking-water-quality-standards) — Environment and Pollution Control, chapter 4 ## Related in other subjects - [CFCs in ozone depletion and harmful effects](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Acfc-ozone-harmful) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 3 - [Project control and control cycle steps](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Aproject-control-cycle-steps) — Project Engineering, chapter 4, asked 3× - [Monitoring and control; difficulty in Nepal](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Amonitoring-control-difficult-nepal) — Project Engineering, chapter 4, asked 3× - [Steps in designing a microprogram control unit](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_organization_and_architecture%3Amicroprogram-design) — Computer Organization and Architecture, chapter 3