Acidifying substances: emission reductions for the Netherlands and neighbouring countries, 1990-1999
Emission reductions in Europe
Over the last few years, there have been considerable reductions at the European level of emissions of substances causing transboundary air pollution. With the exception of sulphur dioxide (SO2), the Netherlands is performing slightly better in general than the fifteen countries of the European Union (EU). However, the objectives for 2010 have not yet been achieved anywhere.
Policy
At the international level, 31 countries, including all the EU member states, have made agreements about emission ceilings for 2010 (the Gothenburg Protocol). In the Environment Council meeting of 22 June 2000, the EU member states agreed on national emission ceilings (the NEC directive).
Relevance
The listed substances contribute to the acidification and eutrophication of soil and water. Direct exposure to these substances can also result in damage to human health and in damage to materials and ecosystems. International agreements are important because transboundary air pollution is involved here.
