The Montreal Protocol is widely recognized as a model for multilateral environmental agreements because of the rapid progress
made under that agreement to protect stratospheric ozone. This success is largely due to sound scientific information effectively
communicated to decision makers in the government and industry. Following the publication of the ozone depletion theory in
1974 by Drs. Molina and Rowland, hundreds of scientists dedicated themselves to improve the understanding of the processes
that control stratospheric ozone. The work of these scientists led to continuous advances in our understanding of the potential
impact that chlorofluoro-carbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) could have on ozone. The primary vehicle
for communication of information on stratospheric ozone was a series of scientific assessments.
In 1985 the first truly international scientific assessment on a global environmental issue was published: Atmospheric Ozone 1985: Assessment of our Understanding of the Process Controlling its Present Distribution and Change. The information in that assessment combined with increasing global consumption of CFCs led DuPont and US industry in 1986
to call for a global agreement to limit production and consumption of CFCs and in 1987 it led to Montreal Protocol, initially
requiring only a 50% reduction in the consumption of CFCs. Based on the information in the 1988 International Ozone Trends
Panel Report, DuPont in March 1988 voluntarily and unilaterally committed to a phaseout of CFCs. Following a 1989 scientific
assessment the Parties to the Montreal Protocol agreed in 1990 to a total phaseout of CFCs. Subsequent assessments from 1991
through 2006 have led to amendments and adjustments to the Protocol that added ODSs and accelerated phaseout schedules.