How can we protect our ozone layer, ourself?
F.H., Vietnam

Indeed, individuals can contribute to protect the ozone layer. All the great efforts of the world community have already contributed to setting the ozone layer on the path of recovery. But full recovery is expected by 2050 - 2060. Hence every action by individuals as listed below will count.

For more information visit this webpage - http://www.unep.fr/ozonaction/events/ozoneday/1999.htm under the OzonAction website and click on the first item, 'What you can do to protect the ozone layer'.

What is the CFC (CFCs listed in the Annex A to the Montreal Protocol) phase out schedule applied for A5 parties?
L.V., Vietnam

CFCs as listed in Annex A of the Montreal Protocol have the following phase out schedule for Article 5 countries:

From 1 July 1999, freeze in production and consumption at 1995-1997 levels.

From 1 January 2005, 50% reduction in production and consumption at 1995-1997 levels.

From 1 January 2007, 85% reduction in production and consumption at 1995-1997 levels.

From 1 January 2010, 100% reduction in production and consumption at 1995-1997 levels.

The sun is?
T.M.,Vietnam

Your question is incomplete. You may like to complete it so that I could respond.

What is the HCFC phase out schedule applied for A5 countries?
D.L., Vietnam

HCFC phase out schedule as applied for Article 5 countries is:

1 January 2016 freeze of consumption at baseline of 2015 average level.
1 January 2040, 100% phase out at base line of 2015 average level

Who is Ozzy ozone? Who are the Nobel Prize winners for research on the ozone layer? Who discovered the Antarctic Ozone hole? How is the CFC consumption calculated?
R.R., Philippines

Ozzy Ozone is a character created to provide messages about the ozone layer protection and also how to protect ourselves from UV rays. For more information please visit the children's web-page http://www.unep.fr/ozonaction/topics/children.htm

The Nobel Prize winners for research on ozone layer are Prof Paul Crutzen, Prof Mario Molina and Prof F. Sherwood Rowland.

The Antarctic ozone hole was discovered by Joe Farman from the British Antarctic Survey.

CFC consumption is calculated as import plus production minus exports.

What can an every day kid do to protect the ozone layer?
S.M., Wisconsin

You can be an Ozone-friendly child: Tell your family and friends how important it is to protect the ozone layer.

Here are some simple actions you can do yourself with the support of your parents to reduce ozone layer depletion:

Plant a tree once a year: Trees absorb much carbon dioxide as they grow, therefore by your action you will be helping the earth.

Recycle at home: Design a recycling system at home so you can classify the wastes and recycle materials such as paper and glass bottles.

Avoid the use of ODS: Avoid the use of sprays containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which cause ozone depletion. Check with your parents the labels of products you buy to make sure they are ozone-friendly.

Replace the light bulbs in your home with energy saving light bulbs: This simple action will save a lot of energy and emission of carbon dioxide.

And to help children understand ozone layer protection, we have produced two cartoon booklets a website and an Ozzy Ozone video. We hope you enjoy these.

What is the concept of the ozone hole?
H.G., Philippines

Due to man-made emissions of certain ozone depleting chemicals (like chlorofluorocarbons - CFCs), the stratospheric ozone layer gets depleted. Such gases, being chemically stable, travel high up in the atmosphere and reach up to the stratosphere (15 to 45 kms above the earth's surface) and get decomposed there. The chlorine or bromine radicals disassociated from such substances subsequently decompose the ozone layer.

Severe depletion of the ozone layer is termed as the 'ozone hole.' Such severe depletion occurs over the Antarctic region.

What are the properties of ozone depleting substances?
C.B., Philippines

The ozone depleting substances are certain saturated halogenated (chlorinated and brominated) carbon-chemicals. Examples are carbon tetrachloride, chlorofluorocarbons and halons. These chemicals are chemically stable, odourless and colourless. They are gases or liquids at room temperature.

Who is Ozzy Ozone?
J.P. Philippines

Ozzy Ozone is a ozone molecule O3 who is protecting us from the stratosphere (15 km high). He forms with his friends the earth's protective shield, the ozone layer. If you want to see this unique character, please visit the following website http://www.unep.fr/ozonaction/topics/children.htm or Ozzy's own website www.ozzyozone.org. You will find Ozzy Ozone cartoon booklets, an Ozzy Ozone video, TV spots, radio spots and education pack. If you want to discuss with him, send a message to ozzy@unep.fr. Ozzy has been used in many countries to help raise awareness particularly to children. Ozzy Ozone cartoon character is a registered trademark of the Government of Barbados.

Can you tell me who's who in the field of ozone layer protection?
J.G, Holland

1. Protecting the Ozone Layer: The United Nations History http://www.uneptie.org/ozonaction/information/mmcfiles/4689-e-history.pdf available from Earthscan at www.earthscan.co.uk, www.amazon.com.

2. Ozone Connections – Expert Networks in Global Environmental Governance, by Penelope Canan and Nancy Reichman available from Greenleaf at:
http://www.greenleaf-publishing.com/catalogue/ozone.htm

3. The Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP): http://ozone.unep.org/teap/ provides the names, affiliations and countries of all current officials of the TEAP, the Technical Options Committees and 2004 Task Forces as contained in the TEAP Progress Report (May 2006) and updated as of 17 January 2007.

4. The United Nations Environment Programme Awards http://ozone.unep.org/Events/awards2005_profiles.shtml

Ozone Awards have been introduced in 1995 on the occasion of the Tenth Anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer; in 1997 on the occasion of the Tenth Anniversary celebrations of the signing of the Montreal Protocol; and in 2005 on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and on the occasion of the Joint 7th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Vienna Convention and the 17th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol.

Ozone Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals in areas related to protecting the Earth's ozone layer. The awards acknowledge the value of scientific contributions in advancing the understanding of the causes of ozone depletion and for providing a sound basis for international action; they acknowledge efforts to use technology as a possible source of viable alternatives to ozone-depleting substances; they recognize contributions in areas of policy and implementation and in areas related to NGO efforts in raising awareness, engaging the public, and catalyzing solutions.

5. The US EPA Stratospheric Ozone Protection Awards: http://earth1.epa.gov/ozone/awards/index.html
In 1990, EPA established the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Awards to recognize exceptional leadership, personal dedication, and technical achievements in protecting the Earth’s stratospheric ozone layer. In the first eighteen years, The Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award has been presented to 509 individuals, organizations and teams from 42 countries. In 2007, 14 individuals, organizations, associations and teams earned the award through originality and public purpose, moral and persuasive leadership, and elimination of emissions of ozone-depleting substances.