We estimate that over 20 million cases of skin cancer and 129 million cases of cataracts will be prevented. And there have been other benefits. Business and industry are finding that new substitutes for ozone-depleting substances are both good for the environment and good for business. Not only are the innovations cleaner and safer but, in many cases, they are less expensive to use than the ozone-depleting products and processes they are replacing. Industry's resolve has been strengthened by the market place.
Consumers now expect companies to engage in more environmentally-friendly practices.
We now know, beyond any doubt, that the Protocol was the right choice at the right time. We now know the ozone layer will respond to the work we have undertaken. The Parties to the Protocol have every right to be proud. We have proven that we can all work together when we have a common goal. But we cannot afford to become complacent.