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Remember when everyone was talking about the hole in the ozone layer? We all stopped using spray-on deodorants and hairsprays containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) and opted instead for the roll-on and the hair gel? That was a global response to a global crisis. And we all played a part in the solution.

MYTHS

Getting everyone to act on a global problem is too hard: we’ll never agree. It’s too difficult to get everyone to the table. No one will give anything up.

FACTS

The hole in the ozone layer was the first global environmental crises that grabbed the world’s attention. It showed how the global community can successfully work together on a major problem (think climate change and global warming) when we want to

The ozone layer is the layer of upper atmosphere, from 15 to 35km above the Earth’s surface. It is this fragile blanket that protects us from the sun's ultraviolet radiation and allows life to exist on Earth’s surface.

Two scientists from the University of California, Molina and Rowland, published a paper in 1974 proving the link between chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and ozone depletion. CFCs were widely used in air conditioning, as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, and solvents. On the discovery of a hole in the ozone layer in 1985 the leaders of the world mobilised to negotiate the Montreal Protocol, which limited the use of CFCs from early 1987 leading to a total phase out by 1996.

Since it’s introduction in 1987, the protocol has been revised and strengthened seven times. It’s widespread adoption and implementation has given cause to hold the Montreal Protocol up as a shining example of what can be done when the world ‘s leaders come together to act for the betterment of humankind. Kofi Annan, the former Secretary General of the United Nations, called it ‘Perhaps the single most successful international agreement to date.’

'We could not have protected the ozone layer with voluntary pledges and non-binding goals. That won’t work for global warming either. The Montreal ozone treaty is a model for progress on global warming. It shows that a binding treaty – with industrial countries taking the lead and with real pollution limits for both developed and developing nations – can successfully cut global pollution and trigger a clean technology revolution. - David Doniger, policy director of the Climate Centre at the Natural Resources Defense Council

We have not completely solved our problem of ozone depletion, but we have certainly 'stopped (some of) the rot'.

Here at Cool Melbourne we say 'We have done it before and we can do it again.'

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