Earthenterprise Tool Kit - International Institute for Sustainable ...

EarthEnterprise Tool Kit
Among the major international agreements driving technologies,now or in the
future, are:
Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances
Adopted by 25 countries in 1987, the Protocol has been amended twice and
ratified by 127 parties. It calls for the complete phase out of fully halogenated
chemical emissions by the end of 1995. Emissions of halons, a chemical used in
fire extinguishers, were banned in 1993.The Protocol is undoubtedly the most
advanced international agreement and has been implemented by national
legislation in dozens of signatory countries.
It has spawned a flurry of business activity in CFC recycling equipment and
services, alternative refrigeration and air conditioning technologies, substitute
chemicals, and new cleaning processes for electronic equipment. Halozone
Recycling Inc. has capitalized on the Montreal Protocol with its “Blue Bottle”for
capturing refrigerants used in household refrigeration, and in residential and
automotive air conditioning. A case study on Halozone, describing how the
Blue Bottle was developed, financed and marketed appears on pages 64-69.
Framework Convention on Climate Change
There is growing concern that increasing emissions of greenhouse gases
(GHGs), including carbon dioxide, will augment the natural greenhouse effect
on the Earth’s atmosphere, and trigger climate change. Among the probable
consequences: flooding of low-lying areas, drought, and more severe weather
patterns. Energy consumption is the principal human activity that produces
GHGs.
The Climate Convention became law on March 21, 1994, after being ratified by
50 countries. Many industrial nations are beginning to make commitments to
reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels. Business opportunities are thus growing
in all fields related to energy efficiency. Developing, introducing, and globally
disseminating these technologies and practices will require new financing,
communication, and management strategies. The sectors most likely to be
influenced and some of the new technologies that may be required are shown
on pages 52-54.
Convention on Biological Diversity
In addition to helping feed and clothe us, biological resources provide shelter,
fuel and medications. Millions of the Earth’s species are still unidentified, and
the usefulness of many others has never been assessed. The ecosystems that
house these species are being eroded by human activity. This Convention aims
to conserve biological diversity and to make sustainable and equitable use of its
components. Nations that sign the Convention agree to rehabilitate and protect
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INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT