|
- The ozone layer in the upper atmosphere is a filter preventing
harmful quantities of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays from
reaching us.
- A few dozen man-made chemicals when released to the air damage
the protective ozone layer. When ozone layer is thinned, more
harmful UV will fall on the earth.
- These ozone-damaging chemicals are used in refrigerators,
air conditioners and fire fighting equipment. Some are used
in industrial processes and also in agriculture.
- Ultraviolet causes skin cancer, and can also wrinkle your
skin to make you look older than you are.
- Ultraviolet causes cataracts, and can lead to preventable
blindness.
- Ultraviolet rays weaken the human body’s natural resistance
to disease (immunity).
- Children are particularly at risk of cancer, blindness and
illness from ultraviolet rays.
- Ultraviolet rays harm plants - particularly food crops - as
well as animals.
- Alternative, affordable chemicals exist for all the ozone-damaging
chemicals, and these substitutes don’t harm the ozone layer.
- Countries of the world have made a legal commitment to phase-out
using all main types of ozone-damaging chemicals through the
Montreal Protocol. Industrialised countries have already met
these targets, and developing countries have time till 2010.
- The ozone layer will heal in about 50 years if no further
ozone-damaging chemicals are released to the atmosphere. Meanwhile,
we all need to cut down on time spent in the sun, or cover ourselves
as much as possible when we have to work or play outdoors. Sunglasses,
sun protection lotions and large hats can all help protect us
from harmful ultraviolet rays.
- The Montreal Protocol is succeeding, but it is not yet a
final "success": there is still much work left to
do before this environmental treaty is "finished".
- The Montreal Protocol is an example of an international environmental
treaty that works. It has many lessons that could be shared
with other environmental issue areas. These include: meaningful
commitment by both developing and developed countries, avoiding
problems by taking precautionary measures, and the providing
international support for national actions.
- The benefits of the Montreal Protocol, including avoided cancers,
cataracts and crop damage, exceed the cost of the investments
in this issue by the international community.
- Virtually all CFC production facilities in developed countries
are now closed. Those in developing countries are in the process
of closing down as per agreements with the Multilateral Fund.
There will soon be significant restrictions in CFC supplies
worldwide. Countries and companies should be prepared to avoid
economic and social disruptions by adopting ozone-friendly alternatives.
Extract from Communication Strategy for Global Compliance with
the Montreal Protocol (UNEP DTIE OzonAction Programme, 2002)
|
