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.
