TNS Canadian Facts - Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of Implementing the Montreal Protocol On Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer

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Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of Implementing the Montreal Protocol On Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer

Environment Canada

The Montreal Protocol sets out a schedule to control substances that deplete the ozone layer. Initially, the Protocol controlled two groups of substances, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons, and provided the following schedule of restrictions:

Reduce consumption of designated CFCs in 1989 to actual consumption in 1986.
Reduce CFC consumption in 1993 to 80% of 1986 levels.
Reduce CFC consumption in 1998 to 50% of 1986 levels.
Freeze consumption of halons at 1986 levels in 1999.

These restrictions generated both benefits and costs in Canada. Our study assessed the social impact on Canada of implementing the Protocol. Benefits were assessed in terms of:

Fewer cases of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.
Fewer deaths from melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.
Fewer cases of cataracts.

Costs occur as a result of restrictions being placed on the use of CFCs and halons. The benefit of products that would have used the restricted substances in the absence of the Protocol are no longer available. Also, there are costs to enforce and comply with regulations supporting the Protocol.

Our study conducted a full socio-economic impact assessment of implementing the Protocol. It also assessed non-allocative effects resulting from the Protocol. The value of transfers within society were documented. Finally our study discussed the various potential control options under consideration for the Protocol.