Depletion of the ozone layer: policy

Policy - international

International policy aims to restrict or stop the production and use of ozone-depleting substances. A large number of countries have signed the Montreal Protocol and therefore undertaken to use no more chlorinated fluorocarbons (CFCs) from 1996 onwards (from 2010 onwards in developing countries). The Montreal Protocol permits the use of HCFCs for a number of years to come. Consequently, the production of HCFCs rose sharply in the 1990s.
Scientific understanding of the depletion of the ozone layer, the possible impact and the policy options are described every few years by UNEP/WMO in three assessment reports.

Policy - national

The aim in the Netherlands is the complete cessation of domestic sales of ozone-depleting substances. The Netherlands also believes that it is important for all the halon and chlorofluorocarbon in circulation to be collected on 1 January 2004 prior to being destroyed. From 1995 onwards, only recycled chlorofluorocarbons and halons have been sold in the Netherlands, in line with international agreements. The policy objective has therefore been achieved.
However, emissions of CFCs and halons do occur from existing applications (such as cooling systems, insulation material and fire extinguishers). An estimated maximum of 4 000 tons of halons and chlorofluorocarbons is still in circulation in the Netherlands. This will have to be collected, stored and then processed. To achieve this aim, the environment ministry is working on a collection system in which the government and the business sector will share responsibility and costs.

References

• WMO (1999). Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 1998.
• WMO (2003 in preparation). Scientific assessment of ozone depletion: 2002. World Meteorological Organization, Global Ozone Research and Monitoring Project, Geneva.

Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium

• Depletion of the ozone layer: introduction
• Ozone-depleting substances and substitutes, global use, 1980-2000
• Sales and emissions in the Netherlands of CFCs and halons, 1980-2002
• See the index 'Global air quality' for data about the Guide to 'Global air quality' section and for information about the Guide to 'Global air quality' section .
• Additional risk in the Netherlands of skin cancer due to increase in UV radiation, 1980-2000

Relevant information outside of the Environmental Data Compendium

• More information about the policy with respect to depletion of the ozone layer can be found on the following English websites:
• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), with information about: science of ozone depletion, the regulatory approach to protecting the ozone layer, and on alternatives to ozone-depletion substances.
• NOAA, Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 1998
• ETC/ACC (European Topic Center on Air and Climate Change).
• Information about Dutch ozone layer policy can be found on the website of the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment.
• Further information on current and future developments relating to the ozone layer can be found in Environmental Balance 2002 and National Environmental Outlook 2000-2030.