Ozone Crisis
The 15-Year Evolution of a Sudden Global Emergency
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
The real story behind the Ozone Crisis
Straight from today's headlines, award-winning science writer Sharon Roan offers an incisive look at one of the planet's most pressing ecological concerns. Ozone Crisis tells the compelling, often shocking story of the discovery of ozone depletion, the fight to ban chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and future prospects and prognoses.
"At last a sober, well-researched, and well-written book on an important environmental problem...a good yarn about stratospheric ozone...This is clearly one of the best case studies of the evolution of science-intensive public policy."
--Choice
"An engaging account...skillfully recounts in terms readily understood by lay readers the shrewd detective work and unprecedented scientific cooperation that helped give rise to the Montreal Treaty."
--John C. Topping, President, Climate Institute
"Whether you have the slightest interest in environmental matters or not, this book should be on your 'must check out!' list."
--Western Producer
"Anyone interested in understanding contemporary environmental policy issues will find Roan has written a well-researched, well-balanced, and informative book in an easy-to-read, journalistic style."
--Naturalist Review
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Damage to the Earth's fragile ozone layer by airborne chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), used in aerosols and refrigerants, was strongly suspected by scientists as early as 1973. But it was not until 15 years later that the U.S. ratified an international agreement restricting CFC use--and that pact only limits CFC emissions by about one-third. Science writer Roan looks at this many-sided controversy in her balanced, disturbing report, a remarkable tale of government and corporate foot-dragging, public indifference, environmentalists' furor and scientific experiment. The discovery that CFC-related ozone depletion, besides letting in dangerous ultraviolet radiation, can fuel the greenhouse effect and thus overheat the planet did not prompt decisive action. A turning point came only in 1984 with the shocking detection of a seasonal hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica. Those who favor a complete phase-out of ``ozone-eating'' chemicals will find plenty of ammunition in this dossier. Photos. Author tour.
