Protection of the Ozone Layer

In the 70-s of the last century scientists alarmed that certain chemicals: CFC-s (freons) which make a large group and are used in refrigerators, air conditioners, aerosols as well as in industry, halons which are used  in fire extinguishers and methyl bromide used in agriculture deplete ozone molecules when released into the atmosphere.  

In 1985, nations agreed in Vienna to take "appropriate measures...to protect human health and the environment against adverse effects resulting or likely to result from human activities which modify or are likely to modify the Ozone Layer", thus the Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was born.

The main thrust of the Convention was to encourage research and overall cooperation among countries and exchange of information. Even so it took four years to prepare and agree. Twenty nations signed it in Vienna, but most did not rush to ratify it. The Convention provided for future protocols and specified procedures for Amendment and dispute settlement.

The Vienna Convention set an important precedent. For the first time nations agreed in principle to tackle a global environmental problem before its effects were felt, or even scientifically proven.

As the experts began to explore for specific measures to be taken, the journal "Nature" published a paper in May 1985 by British scientists - led by Dr. Joe Farman - about severe ozone depletion in the Antarctic. The findings were confirmed by American satellite observations and offered the first proof of severe ozone depletion and making the need for definite measures more urgent. As a result, in September 1987, agreement was reached on specific measures to be taken and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed.

The Republic of Armenia ratified the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1999. In 2001 the Republic of Armenia formulated the Country Programme for Phasing out Ozone Depleting Substances aimed to meet its obligations under the Vienna Convention. The Programme envisages legal improvements and training events, introduction of ozone-friendly technologies in organizations that use ozone depleting substances, as well public awareness campaigns.

For more details see www.ozone.nature-ic.am