Last Updated:
February 28, 2007

GCRIO Program Overview

Library 
Our extensive collection of documents.

Privacy Policy

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

FROM VOLUME 3, NUMBER 7, JULY 1990

NEWS...
US OPPOSES CFC FUND

Item #d90jul69

The United States encountered a volley of criticism at a U.N. meeting in Geneva May 9, 1990, after opposing a plan to help developing nations phase out chlorofluorocarbons. Delegates from the other 50 or so countries represented at the meeting, held in preparation for a June gathering in London on strengthening the Montreal Protocol, expressed dismay and disappointment over the decision. U.S. officials stated that the needed financial assistance would better be handled through the World Bank and by voluntary contributions. In the United States, the move prompted protests to President Bush from both Republican and Democratic Senators as well as many CFC industries. (See New York Times, p. A1, May 10, 1990; Environ. Rptr. Curr. Devel., p. 159, May 11; Chem. & Indus., p. 306, May 21.)

Lack of a mechanism for financial assistance would threaten participation in the Montreal Protocol by India, China and other developing nations. On June 7, 1990, the European Community Council of Environmental Ministers decided to set up such a plan. This and a push for complete elimination of CFCs by 1997 will be European Community bargaining points at the London meeting on the Montreal Protocol scheduled for late June. (See Intl. Environ. Rptr., p. 225, June 1990.)

On June 15 the White House reversed its position and agreed to participate in a fund for developing nations, stressing that it does not necessarily support a similar one for greenhouse gas emissions. (See New Scientist, p. 30, June 23; Greenhouse Effect Rep., p. 43, June.)