Clearing the Air: An Examination of International Law on the Protection of the Ozone Layer

The author, after examining the existing international law on ozone layer protection, explains the current scientific knowledge about the causes and effects of ozone layer depletion. The author then embarks on a discussion of the sources of international environmental law on ozone depletion, and draws analogies to the broader area of international law dealing with state responsibility for transnational air pollution emanating from within its territory. Mr. Fades then proceeds to provide a brief history of the events leading up to the signing of the Montreal Protocol, followed by an analysis of the subtleties of the Protocol, and suggestions for reform.