A historical agreement made in 1987 by members of the United Nations to phase out substances that are harmful to the earth's ozone layer. The ozone layer protects life on earth by blocking out the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Since the 1970s scientists have documented the depletion of the ozone by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), commonly used for refrigeration and as solvents and aerosol propellants. Alarmed by this growing global trend, scientists and policymakers urged a decrease in the use and production of CFCs as well as other ozone-damaging chemicals. Ratifying the 1987 Montreal Protocol was a difficult process, however, with the European Community, the former Soviet Union, and Japan reluctant to pose strict controls on chemicals reduction. United States, Canada, Norway, and Sweden, among others, favored stronger control and negotiated with these nations to cut...