Montreal Protocol (1987) aimed to cut emissions of CFCs by what percentage between 1989 and 2000?

• A. CFCs emissions should be increased to stimulate ozone absorption.
• B. It aims to ban DDT entirely.
• C. Montreal Protocol (1987) aims to cut emissions of CFCs by 35% between 1989 and 2000.
• D. It regulates NOx emissions from coal plants.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is how international agreements reduce ozone-depleting substances to protect the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol set binding targets to cut the production and emissions of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances, moving economies toward safer alternatives.

Specifically, one established target was to reduce CFC emissions by 35% between 1989 and 2000. The 1989 baseline is used to measure progress, and the 2000 mark represents a step in the phased approach agreed to in order to slow and eventually stop the release of chlorine that destroys stratospheric ozone. This is why the 35% figure is the correct answer.

Why the other ideas don’t fit: increasing CFC emissions would worsen ozone depletion, which the protocol is designed to prevent. Banning DDT is unrelated to this treaty’s focus—DDT regulation is associated with other environmental frameworks. NOx emissions from coal plants are a concern for air quality and acid rain but are not the target of the Montreal Protocol.