Learning To Assess Ozone Depletion, 1976–2010

In the 1970s, scientific experts expressed concern over the potential depletion of stratospheric ozone by anthropogenic chlorinated fluorocarbons. In the 1980s, a system of international assessments was created to address the evidence, populated by scientists from government, industry, and universities, and supported by national and international agencies. One might assume that assessment was simply a matter of summary and synthesis; however, this paper shows the assessment process was a more complex and evolving phenomenon. I will explore the ways in which scientific experts developed the international ozone assessments that were instrumental in influencing international policy.