A deal by 191 nations to eliminate ozone-depleting substances 10 years ahead of schedule is a ?pivotal moment? in the fight against global warming, Canadian Environment Minister John Baird said on Saturday.

Delegates at a UN conference in Montreal struck the deal late on Friday. The agreement will phase out production and use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) for developed countries to 2020 from 2030 and to 2030 from 2040 for developing nations.

Baird said the fact that India, the United States and China ? major countries not bound by firm Kyoto targets ? had signed the deal was a promising sign ahead of talks designed to produce a climate change accord after 2012.

Damage to the layer protecting the Earth from ultraviolet radiation has been linked to an increased risk of cancers and cataracts among humans. HCFCs are used in air conditioners and refrigerators.