-
“Wonder gas” CFCs were invented for commercial applications.
-
Mario Molina (1943) was the first to realize that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) could destroy ozone.
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“In 1977, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
sets up a co-ordinating committee to study the ozone layer.” -
“In 1978, the United States of America, Canada,
Sweden and Norway ban the use of CFCs in aerosols.” -
“In 1981, UNEP starts inter-governmental negotiations to protect the ozone layer.”
-
“After 1982, in the absence of other moves,
the consumption of CFCs increases again. Industry demands
proof of ozone depletion due to CFCs.” -
“Governments agree to study, exchange information and
protect the ozone layer - through the Vienna Convention for the
Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985). Scientists continue to find proof of ozone depletion.” -
“The British Antarctic Team discovers severe thinning in the ozone
layer over Antarctica - the ozone hole.” -
“In 1987, 46 governments agree to a fifty per cent cut in the
production and consumption of CFCs by the year 2000; a freeze
in production and consumption of halons by 1992; further
controls linked to assessments by experts.” -
“In 1988, the UNEP - WMO report on ozone trends links CFCs to ozone depletion.”
-
“In 1989, the UNEP Assessment Panel of experts reports THE NEED for tougher controls.”
-
“Parties agree to completely phase out CFCs by the year 2000,
and to establish a Multilateral Fund to assist developing coun-
tries. US$ 240 million was allocated for 1991 - 1993.” -
“UNEP Assessment Panels recommend that more substances
(HCFCs, methyl bromide) are controlled and that the phase out
of CFCs is advanced.” -
“In 1992, it was decided that the developed countries phase out
HCFCs by 2030, freeze methyl bromide by 1995 and that the
phase out of CFCs be brought forward to 1996.” -
“In 1993, the Meeting of the Parties, held in Bangkok, agrees to a
replenishment of the Multilateral Fund - US$455 million for 1994 - 1996.” -
“Halons are phased out by industrialized countries. UNEP Assess-
ment Panels recommend tougher controls on methyl bromide.” -
“Some countries, the Russian Federation and others, report an
inability to phase out CFCs by 1996 due to their internal problems.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) offers to help them.
Developing countries agree to phase out methyl bromide by 2010.” -
“The Meeting of the Parties held in Costa Rica, approves the
replenishment of the Multilateral Fund and gives US$466 million
for 1997 - 1999.” -
“Industrialized countries agree to phase out methyl bromide by
2005. Developing countries will phase out the same by 2015.” -
The Ozone meetings in Beijing in December 1999 approved a
replenishment of the Multilateral Fund of US$ 440 million for the years 2000-2002 for continuing the phase-out of CFCs, in addition to the carry-over of US$ 35.7 million from the previous period.
