Ozone Layer

CFCs Invented

1928

“Wonder gas” CFCs were invented in 1928
for commercial applications.

Scientist Discover CFCs Split Up Ozone

1973

In late 1973, Rowland and Molina, who had recently joined Rowland’s lab, used data from a variety of published sources to calculate that CFC molecules released near the surface of Earth would, over decades, wind up in the stratosphere where UV radiation would split off chlorine atoms. Each chlorine atom would react immediately with an ozone molecule, setting off a chain reaction that would destroy thousands of ozone molecules.

UN Gets Involved

1977

“In 1977, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
sets up a co-ordinating committee to study the ozone layer.”

Countries Begin to Ban Some CFCs

1978

“In 1978, the United States of America, Canada,
Sweden and Norway ban the use of CFCs in aerosols.”

UNEP Starts Inter-Governmental Negotiations

1981

“In 1981, UNEP starts inter-governmental negotiations to protect the ozone layer.”

CFCs Increases

1982

“After 1982, in the absence of other moves,
the consumption of CFCs increases again. Industry demands
proof of ozone depletion due to CFCs.”

Governments Begin to Study Ozone Layer

1985

“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.”

Discovery in Antarctica

1985

“The British Antarctic Team discovers severe thinning in the ozone
layer over Antarctica - the ozone hole.”

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the ozone Layer

1987

“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.”

UNEP - WMO Report

1988

“In 1988, the UNEP - WMO report on ozone
trends links CFCs to ozone depletion.”

UNEP Tougher Controls

1989

“In 1989, the UNEP Assessment Panel of experts reports
THE NEED for tougher controls.”

Multilateral Fund

1990

“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.”

Substances Should Be Controlled

1991

“UNEP Assessment Panels recommend that more substances
(HCFCs, methyl bromide) are controlled and that the phase out
of CFCs is advanced.”

Copenhagen Amendment

1992

“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.”

Multilateral Fund

1993

“In 1993, the Meeting of the Parties, held in Bangkok, agrees to a
replenishment of the Multilateral Fund - US$455 million for 1994 - 1996.”

Controls on Methyl Bromide

1994

“Halons are phased out by industrialized countries. UNEP Assess-
ment Panels recommend tougher controls on methyl bromide.”

Countries Inability to Phase Out CFCs

1995

“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.”

Meeting of Parties Gives US $466 Million

1996

“The Meeting of the Parties held in Costa Rica, approves the
replenishment of the Multilateral Fund and gives US$466 million
for 1997 - 1999.”

Countries Phase Out Methyl Bromide

1997

“Industrialized countries agree to phase out methyl bromide by
2005. Developing countries will phase out the same by 2015.”

Montreal Amendment

1997

“Licensing for the import and export of CFCs was introduced.”

Parties in Beijing Ban Bromochloromethane

1999

The 11th Meeting of the Parties in Beijing banned
bromochloromethane, (a new ozone-depleting chemical)
and put controls on production of HCFCs and trade in HCFCs
with non-Parties.

Ozone Meetings In Beijing

1999

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.