Ozone Story

The ozone layer is a thin layer of ozone in the atmosphere, 10 - 50 kilometres above the earth.”
The ozone layer absorbs most of the harmful ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation from the sun.”
Wonder gas” CFCs were invented in 1928 for commercial applications.

use of CFCs increases rapidly..

Scientists discover a link between CFCs

If the ozone layer depletes, more harmful UV-B radiation will reach the earth through the damaged ozone layer.”

“More UV-B radiation means more skin cancers,

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,

Governments agree to study, exchange information and protect the ozone layer - through the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer . Scientists continue to find proof of that

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

.In year eighty Seven, Fourty Six governments agree to a fifty per cent cut in the production and consumption of CFCs by the year twoK

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

In 1988, the UNEP - WMO report on ozone

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

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

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

The Russian Federation and others, report an inability to phase out CFCs by 1996 due to their internal problems.

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

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

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 held in Costa Rica, approves the replenishment of the Multilateral Fund and gives US$466 million for 1997 - 1999

Industrialized countries

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

Licensing for the import and export of CFCs was introduced.

GEF assists countries with economies in transition

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

The 11th Meeting of the Parties in Beijing banned

The Beijing Declaration (December 1999) reiterated the commitment of all Governments to continue full implementation of the Montreal Protocol and ensure the protection of the ozone layer.

Do not release CFCs - recycle them

Demand ozone friendly products