By the 1950s CFCs had found further applications: as propellants in aerosol spray cans, in the manufacture of Styrofoam, and as vital industrial solvents. Then, in 1974, after millions of tons of CFCs had been released into the Earth's atmosphere, two scientists at the University of California demonstrated that these same "safe" wonder substances had altered the fundamental chemistry of the atmosphere and had begun to erode the ozone layer - the protective shield of all life on earth. The battle to restrict CFCs was fought in laboratories, at international conferences, and in the halls of Congress, pitting environmentalists intent on remedying what had become a global crisis against industrialists and government officials opposed to regulation. Finally, in 1987, fifty-seven nations signed the first global environmental treaty - the Montreal Protocol, which regulated the further production of CFCs and ushered in a new era of international cooperation on the environment.

Global warming continues to gain importance on the international agenda and calls for action are heightening. Yet, there is still controversy over what must be done and what is needed to proceed. Policy Implications of Greenhouse Warming describes the information necessary to make decisions about global warming resulting from atmospheric releases of radiatively active trace gases. The conclusions and recommendations include some unexpected results. The distinguished authoring committee provides specific advice for U.S. policy and addresses the need for an international response to potential greenhouse warming. It offers a realistic view of gaps in the scientific understanding of greenhouse warming and how much effort and expense might be required to produce definitive answers. The book presents methods for assessing options to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, offset emissions, and assist humans and unmanaged systems of plants and animals to adjust to the consequences of global warming.

Chlorofluorocarbons are known to be effective spray can propellants, solvents and refrigerators and were often used in deodorants, refrigerators and other goods. However, it was not known at the beginning of their use, the complex reaction that CFCs have on the earth’s climate. Originally published in 1982, this report explores early research into the effect that CFCs have on the environment and provides guidance on how this emerging issue should be dealt with. This title will be of interest to students of Environmental Studies.

Miljørapport 1988:2

The study examines and compares the outcomes of two alternate methods for controlling nonaerosol emissions of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Conventional regulatory methods such as technology standards are compared with innovative methods of regulation such as use taxes or production quotas distributed through the use of marketable permits. The economic costs of each system are calculated and compared, along with a discussion of the policy issues which must be addressed when choosing one form of regulation over another.