ABSTRACT
Global environmental agreements require reconciliation of an inherent tension between narrow business interests and broad public benefits. This chapter focuses the response to the problem of the thinning of the ozone layer and emphasises the contribution of interpersonal relationships for finding a global solution. It also focuses on the Montreal Protocol regime with a brief outline of its history. The treaty encourages industrial volunteerism and national innovation to reach target dates for elimination of ozone-depleting substances. It recognises different national historical contributions to a thinning ozone layer, varying degrees of capability to implement the treaty's provisions, widely different capacities to respond swiftly and different levels of technological sophistication. The Multilateral Fund created under the Montreal Protocol has an independent secretariat in Montreal, headed by Omar El Arini. The Fund's Executive Committee was composed of equal representation of developed and developing countries— another diplomatic innovation.
