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Chlorofluorocarbon

Since 2002, scientific data pointed to a slower decline of CFC-11, one of several chemical substances banned by the Montreal Protocol in 1987. The amount of CFC-11 found in the atmosphere has actually gone up during that time, prompting the United Nations

Scientists detected a spike in ozone-depleting chemicals. They’ll use the Montreal Protocol to stop the pollution.

Environment

Those who have watched over the Montreal Protocol since its formation have never had to take significant measures to enforce it — until now.

This NASA graphic shows relative average levels of atmospheric ozone over the northern hemisphere in 1984 and 1997. The lower concentrations, shown in darker colors, are due to the effects of ozone-destroying chemicals in the atmosphere.

The latest news on the ozone layer shows we can solve big environmental problems

Environment

China, U.S. to seek way to end production, use of climate change causing HFCs

Environment

Nobel Prize Winner Mario Molina is Sounding the Alarm Again

The World

Ozone Treaty Revisited

The World

Update on Ozone

David Baron examines the current debate over the state of the planet’s thinning ozone layer. Although the hole in our atmosphere continues to grow, scientists say it’s doing so more slowly these days, and the global phaseout of chlorofluorocarbons may have prevented a real disaster. Still, controversy remains about current damage, and most scientists agree […]

The World

Problems With Promising CFC Substitute

Mike Villars of member station WHYY in Philadelphia reports on the decision of two major companies to stop working with a promising substitute for ozone-depleting CFCs. The companies say their workers could be exposed to unsafe levels of the chemical.