The International Response to the Threat of Chlorofluorocarbons to Atmospheric Ozone
Although environmental problems are common in many countries or affect large regions, the threats of carbon dioxide-induced climate change and depletion of stratospheric ozone are perhaps the most credible global environmental problems presently facing humankind. While there are many differences between the CO2 and 03 problems the diffuse, global hazards share a number of common characteristics. The threats are due to anthropogenic chemical changes of a slow, cumulative nature. Early effects may be disguised by normal environmental variation which generates considerable scientific uncertainty. By the time all the mechanisms and consequences are known and evaluated, it may be too late to avoid the majority of effects which may persist for centuries. In addition, the climate or stratosphere so affected is not the property of any individual or nation. The vulnerable natural and social systems require on-going monitoring, research, and risk assessment as uncertainties are defined and, hopefully, reduced. In short these are threats to the global commons for which there is no precedent in human history. This paper examines the different national responses to the threat of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) depletion of stratospheric ozone as the first of the global atmospheric problems for which nations have taken concrete action beyond scientific study and risk assessment.
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