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Global Climate Change Digest
A Guide to Information on Greenhouse Gases and Ozone Depletion
Published July 1988 through June 1999

FROM VOLUME 1, NUMBER 6, DECEMBER 1988

NEWS...
HAGUE MEETING REVIEWS MONTREAL PROTOCOL

Item #d88dec1

Scientists, government officials and representatives of chemical companies and nongovernmental groups met in The Hague, The Netherlands in late October 1988. Organized by the World Meteorological Organization and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the international group reviewed the latest scientific information on stratospheric ozone depletion and technical progress in developing commercial substitutes for chlorofluorocarbons. Also discussed were procedures and documentation necessary for implementing the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer, signed in September 1987 and nearing ratification. (See Global Climate Change Digest, NEWS, Sep. 1988.) Major outcomes were scientific support for strengthening the CFC reductions to at least 85 percent compared to the 50 percent currently specified under the protocol, and acceleration by about a year of the tipulated schedule for revising the protocol timetable based on new scientific evidence. Further coverage may be found in the following articles:

"UNEP Head Says CFC Cut of 85 Percent Needed to Decrease Atmospheric Chlorine," BNA Internat. Environ. Reporter, pp. 581-584, Nov. 9, 1988. Includes interviews with UNEP Executive Director Mostafa Tolba and others, and covers European Community ratification of the protocol, technical developments on substitutes for refrigeration and electronics applications, treatment of halons, and consideration of developing countries. The UNEP plan for assessing the efficacy of control measures anticipates an April 1989 meeting of a multi-disciplinary panel, which will review assigned reports on science, technology, economics and technology. By August 1989 the panel will report on the efficacy of control measures and possibly recommend modifications.

"Now It Makes Business Sense to Save the Ozone Layer," D. MacKenzie, New Scientist, p. 25, Oct. 25, 1988. Increased enthusiasm among chemical companies for safer substitutes probably stems from the changed market outlook provided by the Montreal protocol. A surprise at the Hague conference was Britain's abrupt policy change. (See next item.)