Montreal Protocol: Ban CFCs (1987)
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Faced with the ozone hole, nations chose between a complete CFC ban (with economic costs to chemical manufacturers) or voluntary reduction targets. The protocol banned CFCs and is the most successful environmental treaty ever.
Complete CFC Phase-Out
1987
year
Binding international ban with timeline
approach
Chemical industry adapted to alternatives
economic impact
Chosen — ozone layer recovering, projected full repair by 2066
outcome
Voluntary Reduction Targets
1987
year
Non-binding pledges
approach
Minimal short-term disruption
economic impact
Not chosen — too slow for the crisis
outcome
No Action
1987
year
Industry self-regulation
approach
None
economic impact
Would have destroyed ozone layer by 2060s
outcome
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