Ozone layer

By alyssa.maurin

  • CFC's Invented

    CFC's Invented
    Chlorofluorocarbons were first created in 1928 as non-toxic, non-flammable refrigerants, and were first produced commercially in the 1930's by DuPont. The first Chlorofluorocarbon was CFC-12, a single carbon with two chlorines and two Fluorines attached to it.

  • Ozone Layer Depletion

    Ozone Layer Depletion
    Gaseous CFCs can deplete the ozone layer when they slowly rise into the stratosphere, are broken down by strong ultraviolet radiation, release chlorine atoms, and then react with ozone molecules.

  • UNEP

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

  • Ban CFC's

    Ban CFC's
    In 1978, the United States of America, Canada,
    Sweden and Norway ban the use of CFCs in aerosols.

  • Protection of the Ozone

    Protection of the Ozone
    In 1981, UNEP starts inter-governmental negotiations
    to protect the ozone layer.

  • CFC's in store bought items

    CFC's in store bought items
    After 1982, in the absence of other moves,
    the consumption of CFCs increases again. Industry demands
    proof of ozone depletion due to CFCs.

  • Ozone Hole

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

  • Vienna Convention

    Vienna Convention
    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 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

    The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
    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.

  • Needing Help

    Needing Help
    Many developing countries ask for alternative technologies
    and financial assistance to implement the Montreal Protocol.

  • The Allegations

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

  • Protesting

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

  • London Amendment

    London Amendment
    Parties agree to completely phase out CFCs by the year 2000,
    and to establish a Multilateral Fund to assist developing countries. US$ 240 million was allocated for 1991 - 1993.

  • Advancement

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

  • Copenhagen Amendment

    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.

  • Meeting of Parties

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

  • Replacement

    Halons are phased out by industrialized countries. UNEP Assessment Panels recommend tougher controls on methyl bromide.