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"UNEP: Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, 1985" [2005] ELECD 282; in Tully, Stephen (ed), "International Documents on Corporate Responsibility" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2005)

Book Title: International Documents on Corporate Responsibility

Editor(s): Tully, Stephen

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781843768197

Section: Chapter 59

Section Title: UNEP: Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, 1985

Number of pages: 3

Extract:

59. UNEP: Vienna Convention for the Protection
of the Ozone Layer, 1985

Commentary: The ozone layer is situated between 10 and 50 km above the
earth's surface and absorbs harmful ultraviolet-B (UV-B) solar radiation. The possibil-
ity of ozone depletion arising from human activity was first considered by UNEP in
1976 in reaction to scientific concerns: Molina M.J. and Rowland F.S. (1974),
`Stratospheric sink for chlorofluoromethanes: chlorine atom-catalysed destruction of
ozone', Nature, 249, 810­12. The Vienna Convention (1513 UNTS 293 (1985),
extracts appearing below) encourages intergovernmental cooperation on research,
systematic observation, monitoring CFC production and information exchange.
However, it contains no obligation to reduce CFC production or consumption: see
the Declarations made when adopting the Final Act at the Conference of
Plenipotentiaries. Annex I identifies major scientific issues warranting further research
and identifies chemical substances `thought to have the potential to modify the chem-
ical and physical properties of the ozone layer'. Annex II (below) contemplates
exchanging commercial information. See also, Andersen S.O. and Madhava Sarma K.
(2002), Protecting the Ozone Layer: The UN History, UNEP; UNEP (2002), `Scientific
Assessment of Ozone Depletion'; Technology & Economic Assessment Panel reports
(available through www.unep.org/ozone/index.asp).



Article 1: Definitions
For the purposes of this Convention:

1. `The ozone layer' means the layer of atmospheric ozone above the planetary boundary
layer.
2. `Adverse effects' means changes in the physical environment or biota, including
changes in climate, which have significant deleterious effects on human ...