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CFCs invented
“Wonder gas” CFCs were invented in 1928 for commercial applications. -
Scientists discover CFCs split up ozone in the Ozone Layer
"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
In 1977, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) sets up a co-ordinating committee to study the ozone layer. -
The ban movement
In 1978, the United States of America, Canada, Sweden and Norway ban the use of CFCs in aerosols. -
Ozone layer protection
In 1981, UNEP starts inter-governmental negotiations to protect the ozone layer. -
no proof then we don't listen
After 1982, in the absence of other moves, the consumption of CFCs increases again. Industry demands proof of ozone depletion due to CFCs. -
An quest for the proof
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 British Antarctic Team discovers severe thinning in the ozone layer over Antarctica - the ozone hole.” -
Controlling the CFCs
“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.” -
HCFC is beginning to end
“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.” -
THe meeting of the parties
In 1993, the Meeting of the Parties, held in Bangkok, agrees to a replenishment of the Multilateral Fund - US$455 million for 1994 - 1996. -
GEF offers help
Some countries, the Russian Federation and others, report an inability to phase out CFCs by 1996 due to their internal problems. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) offers to help them. Developing countries agree to phase out methyl bromide by 2010 -
Montreal Amendment – 1997
Industrialized countries agree to phase out methyl bromide by 2005. Developing countries will phase out the same by 2015 -
The Ozone Meeting
The Ozone meetings in Beijing in December 1999 approved a replenishment of the Multilateral Fund of US$ 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.
