The theory that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) might deplete the ozone layer was first proposed by Rowland and Molina over a decade ago. Extensive research since 1974 has considerably improved our understanding of atmospheric science and suggests that the total impact of man's activities on stratospheric ozone is probably less than originally feared.
The political response to the ozone issue has resulted in a variety of measures in different countries. The ‘ Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer’ was recently signed by many countries but a proposal for a global CFC Protocol to the Convention is still controversial.
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