Kobe Lee and Martin know that the sun can cause skin cancer and, like all Australian schoolchildren, they have to wear hats outdoors. Reduced ozone levels lead to higher levels of UV-B radiation, which causes skin cancer and has been linked to cataracts. Even small increases in UV-B levels are believed to have adverse effects on plant growth and marine ecosystems. Since 1996, industrialized countries have banned production of CFCs and, in July 2000, developing countries began to freeze their use.
Schedules are also in place to phase out other ozone-depleting substances.
To ensure compliance with the treaty developing countries are receiving international assistance to move to ozone-friendly technologies. For example, more than 26 million CFC-free refrigerators will be produced with the fund's assistance. While CFCs are starting to fade from the atmosphere, according to scientists at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, existing ozone levels are the lowest ever recorded. However, if the Montreal Protocol and its amendments are enforced, scientists predict that the ozone layer could recover in most regions of the world within the next 15 to 45 years. Then, it won't be so dangerous for children like Kobe Lee and Martin to play in the sun.