It is maybe the only case, where an agreement concerning the environment has been signed from all world governments. On the 4th of December 2014, the last country, Mauritania signed Beijing Amendment. The Beijing Amendment of the Montreal Protocol is about the prohibition of use of substances which deplete the ozone layer. It has been in force since 2002.

It is impressive that such an agreement from all world nations was proved to be so successful. According to Secretary General of UNEP Achim Steiner, the initiative of all nations but also the choices of so many people have led to a decrease of ozone depleting substances up to 98%. It is estimated that if we continue like that, until 2030 the ozone layer will recover to its original thickness.
http://webtv.un.org/watch/unep-report-on-the-latest-scientific-assessment-of-ozone-depletion-press-conference/3778474449001#full-text

What does this mean for us? Over 2 million skin cancer incidences will be prevented every year from 2030. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, Montreal Protocol has prevented over 22 millions cataract incidences just in the US. Additionally, the protection of the ozone layer will prevent significant loss of food crops which are extremely necessary in today?s world.

However, this success story shows something else, maybe more important: All world nations unite and are ready to face new threats, such as the depletion of the ozone layer, but also global warming which creates a danger towards the life and wellbeing of million people.

What was needed to solve the problem of the depletion of the ozone layer?

1. The technological development for the recognition of the ozone depletion problem and the development of ways to encounter it.
2. Sharing of scientific knowledge to all countries for the use of alternative technologies instead of ozone depletion substances.
3. Transfer of resources to the under development countries for the education of people and implementation of the rules needed for the avoidance of the use of ozone depletion substances.

Since it happened once, it may happen again and again. All the nations, especially the biggest and the financially strongest should show their determination to help to make changes. In December of 2014, the Climate Change Conference in Lima, Peru has finished.All environmentally concerned people hope that the results will be a new success story for the protection for the global commons.