Proposals may strengthen Montreal protocol

Abstract

In early July, some 300 delegates from 97 countries met in Geneva to discuss ways of strengthening the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer. As a result, they forwarded a number of proposals for the conference of the parties to consider for decision and action in Cairo in November. Much of the discussion focused on conflicts between the Montreal protocol and the Kyoto protocol, which aims to control greenhouse gases. But it was also proposed that a licensing system for controlling the trade in ozone-depleting substances be brought into operation by 2000. The executive committee of the Montreal protocol continues to promote hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as substitute refrigerants for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons. But HFCs, which have no ozone-depleting potential, are strong, long-lived greenhouse gases. Because of this factor, the delegate from Sri Lanka recommended that the parties consider the implications of continued use of HFCs for the global ...