The Ozone Depletion Problem (An Example of Harm Commitment) - MARC Report Number 1
The problem of ozone depletion is so interdisciplinary and complex that it is difficult for the non-expert to evaluate its urgency and severity. As a result, this potential threat cannot readily be compared with the myriad of others without committing scarce resources to comprehensive monitoring and assessment programmes. This Report attempts, in non-technical language, to provide a summary of current predictions of ozone depletion and its possible effects and, as an annex, an economic analysis of the consequences of restrictions of one set of the chemicals involved, the chlorofluorocarbons. The Report shows how the problem of ozone depletion fits the dose and harm commitment concepts. When given quantities of certain chemicals enter the environment, theory predicts that an extra dose of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and additional skin cancers will almost inevitably follow even if delayed by years. Finally, the Report concludes with suggestions for the actions required to resolve many of the uncertainties still plaguing the theoretical predictions of ozone depletion and its effects. It also indicates the steps needed to evaluate the economic consequences of restrictions of chlorofluorocarbon releases to the atmosphere.
Main Authors: | United Nations Environment Programme, International Council of Scientific Unions |
---|---|
Other Authors: | Rockefeller Foundation |
Format: | Reports and Books biblioteca |
Language: | English |
Published: |
1976
|
Subjects: | OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES, CLIMATE, RADIATION EFFECTS, ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT, CANCER, CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS, |
Online Access: | https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/27969 |
Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
Similar Items
-
Environmental Effects of Ozone Depletion: 1994 Assessment
by: United Nations Environment Programme
Published: (1994) -
The Impact of Ozone-Layer Depletion - UNEP/GEMS Environment Library No. 7
by: United Nations Environment Programme
Published: (1992) -
OzonAction Education Pack for Secondary Schools - Student's Book
by: United Nations Environment Programme
Published: (2008) -
Environmental Assessment of Ozone Layer: Depletion and its Impact as of April 1984 - Bulletin No.9 January 1985
by: United Nations Environment Programme
Published: (1985) -
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer: Environmental Effects Panel Report
by: United Nations Environment Programme
Published: (1989)