Recent academic study produced an alarming finding: Levels of several ozone-depleting substances to be regulated under a landmark global agreement are actually increasing in the atmosphere. Let's be clear: The Montreal Protocol — an international treaty from the late 1980s that aims to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) — has been a huge success overall. The levels of many ozone depleting substances have decreased and the ozone is recovering. That's why the study's finding that atmospheric concentrations of five ozone-depleting chemicals are at record highs is so surprising. Specifically, it concerns five types of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs are entirely man-made gases used in a variety of applications, including refrigeration, air conditioning, and as chemical solvents. In addition to the damage they cause to the ozone layer, CFCs are also extremely dangerous climate pollutants, capable of producing up to 10,000 times the global warming potential of CO2. Most experts believe that the Montreal Protocol would currently reduce CFC production to the point where we see reductions in atmospheric levels of all compounds. (MEGESH TIWARI)