The Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2014 (Core Science Lecture)

The 1987 Montreal Protocol (MP) is the landmark agreement that regulates chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone depleting substances (ODSs) in our atmosphere. The MP has led to a steady decline of total chlorine and bromine in our atmosphere since the mid-1990s. Under Article 6 of the MP, the Scientific Assessment Panel (SAP) is mandated with carrying out periodic assessments at least every 4 years. The SAP has just completed the "The Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2014", and has submitted this to the signatory Parties of the MP. In this presentation, we will show some of the main findings from the assessment. These finding include: 1) current and future evolution of CFCs and other ODSs in our atmosphere; 2) changes of Arctic, Antarctic, mid-latitude, tropical, and global ozone levels; 3) projected changes of ozone into the 21st century in response to ODS declines and greenhouse gas imcreases; 4) impacts of ozone on climate; and 5) possible policy adjustments and options for the MP.