Montreal Protocol - (n.)

a landmark international agreement designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. The treaty was originally signed in 1987 and substantially amended in 1990 and 1992. The Montreal Protocol stipulates that the production and consumption of compounds that deplete ozone in the stratosphere (chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform) are to be phased out by 2000 (2005 for methyl chloroform). Once emitted to the atmosphere, these compounds significantly deplete the stratospheric ozone layer that shields the planet from damaging UV-B radiation.