What is being done to stop ozone layer damage?
Industrialised countries have agreed to phase out halocarbons. Some critical uses are exempt and developing countries have been given longer time-scales. The UK did not stop CFC production until 2000. By the late 1990s, atmospheric concentrations of other halocarbons had levelled out. Bromine concentrations should peak between 2000 and 2010, but will decline only slowly because a high proportion comes from uncontrolled sources, including the oceans. HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) concentrations have increased from the early 1990s because they are used as a substitute for CFCs. Globally, HCFCs must be cut by 99.5% by 2020. They should begin to decline after 2010 as they are phased out. HCFCs will be banned in the European Union from 2015. Stockpiled, recycled and illegally traded CFCs, together with those in refrigeration and fire-fighting equipment, will still be around for many years. The EU has regulations to prevent leaks of ozone depleting substances and promote recovery after use
