Revitalizing Our Planet: How We’ve Successfully Improved the Environment and Can Do It Again!

Since the Montreal Protocol was signed, global production of ozone-depleting substances has dropped by 98%. This milestone shows that with collaboration and science, we can solve major environmental challenges. According to climate scientist David Karoly, the success of the Montreal Protocol demonstrates humanity’s ability to make significant changes for the better.

In fact, the United States Environmental Protection Agency reported in 2015 that this agreement has saved approximately 1.5 million American lives since it took effect in 1989. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that the ozone layer is on the mend. He stated, “When nations heed scientific warnings, progress is possible.”

In historical context, the battle against harmful pesticides like DDT, which gained popularity in the post-war period, echoes the ozone layer’s fight. While DDT was hailed for killing malaria-carrying mosquitoes, its long-term impact became a concern. Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking book, Silent Spring, highlighted the dangers pesticides pose to ecosystems. This awareness led to the U.S. banning DDT in 1972, followed by other countries, including Australia in 1987.

Today, thanks to collective efforts, many endangered species, including humpback whales, have shown remarkable recovery. Once nearly extinct, humpback whales have rebounded to tens of thousands due to global protections and bans on whaling.

In recent years, the focus on climate change has grown, but there’s room for optimism. For instance, Britain closed its last coal mine in 2024, making it the first major country to transition away from coal entirely. Meanwhile, global renewable energy usage exceeded 40% for the first time in 2024. China’s greenhouse gas emissions also fell by 1.6% in early 2025, a notable achievement given its increasing energy needs.

Climate scientists note that efforts from countries aligned with the Paris Agreement have effectively lowered expected global temperature rises from a dire 3.7–4.8°C to a more manageable 2.4–2.6°C by century’s end. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently stated that the country’s ambitious goal of reducing emissions by 62-70% by 2035 is achievable, especially with the rise in solar energy and battery storage across the nation.

This ongoing commitment to both recovery and protection reflects a broader trend: societal awareness and action can lead to meaningful environmental change. Whether it’s through international agreements or local initiatives, every step taken today can shape a sustainable future for our planet.

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