International Regulations on Halocarbons

Abstract

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was a landmark in international environmental regulation. This chapter describes the development of understanding of atmospheric science that led to the initial Protocol, agreed in 1987, and the subsequent developments that shaped its revisions. Eleven years later, both industrial statistics and, perhaps more significantly, atmospheric measurements clearly show compliance with the Protocol, and indicate that it is beginning to achieve its enviromental aim. The framework for regulations that now cover: chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform (1,1,1-trichloroethane), methyl bromide, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs) is described. The regulations themselves, which treat developing and developed countries differently, are examined together with limits to the scope for further changes that may be required to mitigate future environmental impact. Finally, the differences between the Montreal Protocol and the recently developed Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gases are examined. The latter seeks to control emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs).