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Why were developing countries given longer schedules to phase out ozone-depleting chemicals?

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ozone depletion — Ozone depletion The Antarctic ozone hole reaches its maximum extent in October of each year. On October 7, 2021, when this image was captured, the Antarctic ozone hole spanned 24.8 million square km (9.6 million square miles).

Under the Montreal Protocol, developing countries were granted longer schedules to phase out ozone-depleting chemicals (ODCs) primarily because they possess fewer technical and financial resources to implement the necessary substitutes for these substances.1

While developed nations were required to meet earlier deadlines—such as phasing out most CFCs and halons by 1996—developing countries were provided with extended timelines to ensure they could transition their industrial and commercial sectors without undue economic hardship. For example, while developed countries were scheduled to phase out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2030, the schedule for developing countries extends to 2040. This differentiated approach reflects the international commitment to global environmental cooperation while acknowledging the varying economic capacities of signatory nations.1