The document summarizes the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty signed in 1987 to protect the ozone layer by phasing out ozone depleting substances. It discusses how the protocol has been amended over time, identifying several ozone depleting compounds and setting timelines for their phase out. Key achievements of the protocol include worldwide participation, elimination of most ozone depleting substances, support for developing countries, and expectations that the ozone layer will fully recover by 2050 if compliance continues. The document also notes that without the Montreal Protocol, significant depletion of the ozone layer and increased health impacts from UV radiation would have occurred.