The Montreal Protocol continues to achieve its goals because aware, informed and educated stakeholders are motivated to take the specific actions that are needed to protect the Earth’s ozone layer. Education is an important element in sustaining this success and it is crucial for ensuring that future generations become involved in the process. Targeted initiatives at universities and schools inspire both collective and individual involvement in this global environmental challenge.
Different types of citizens have different roles and needs under the Montreal Protocol. Since the ozone layer is only projected to recover during the second half of this century, the public must be aware of ozone depletion’s impact on human health and adapt themselves to its consequences i.e. increased ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. Everyone, but especially children and people working in vulnerable sectors, need to be taught ways to limit excessive UV exposure (Safe Sun practices). Similarly, because the technology and policy solutions required to phase out ozone-depleting chemicals will be implemented over the next one to two decades, a new generation of specialists must be cultivated to continue the work of the Montreal Protocol into the future. Higher education students pursuing science and engineering degrees need to be taught about new technologies and practices that protect both the ozone layer and climate so that they adopt those considerations in their future professional work as engineers, facility managers, or business owners.
