But the suggestion that individuals should use sunscreen and wear sunglasses and large hats instead of turning to government regulation for protection was widely ridiculed, and the Hodel plan was discarded. The chemical industry used the worldwide nature of the ozone problem as a stalling tactic, arguing that restrictions by one country would be meaningless without an international compact. Government-industry ties appeared strong. At some sessions, for example, the West German and Japanese delegates were chemical industry representatives. Subsequent ozone depletion led EPA to call for strengthening of the protocol to 100 percent reduction.
Roan concludes by discussing the greenhouse effect, to which CFCs also contribute.
These activities take place in developed and developing nations alike, and it is likely that another international agreement will be needed to prevent disaster. While models to predict the extent of global warming are still being refined, greenhouse gases continue to accumulate, setting warming trends in motion. Roan urges that the lessons of the ozone crisis be applied and action taken on the greenhouse effect before clear evidence is in. Those opposed to action, such as the Bush White House, argue that scientific uncertainty may mean that global warming can be mitigated, but they have to acknowledge that uncertainties leave open the possibility that the problem could be worse than expected. In the meantime, actions that could avert global warming, such as more efficient energy use, development of renewable energy alternatives and forest preservation and restoration, would have beneficial environmental and economic effects in their own right.