Guide to 'Global air quality' section

Climate change as a result of the greenhouse effect and the depletion of the ozone layer are problems with a global dimension. Humans affect the climate through the emission of substances such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O). Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons are the main ozone-depleting substances.

Data about the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere

• Concentration of greenhouse gases, 1980-2002
• Methane concentration, 1986-2001 (page is not available yet)
• Nitrous oxide concentration, 1980-2001 (page is not available yet)
• New greenhouse gas concentrations, 1980-2001 (page is not available yet)

Data about the greenhouse effect and the consequences for the climate

• Greenhouse effect, 1950-2002
• Average temperatures in the world and in the Netherlands, 1900-2002
• Trends in precipitation in the Netherlands, 1906-2002
• Length of the growing season in the Netherlands, 1900-2002
• Sea levels on the Dutch coast, 1900-2002

Data about the depletion of the ozone layer

• Concentration of ozone-depleting substances, 1980-2002
• Thickness of the ozone layer, 1980-2002
• UV radiation in Europe, 1980-2000
  Provides data about UV radiation in Europe corrected for fluctuations in cloud cover and therefore a direct insight into the UV radiation in Europe caused by the depletion of the ozone layer.
• UV radiation in the Netherlands, 1980-2001
  Provides data about UV radiation in the Netherlands corrected for fluctuations in cloud cover and therefore a direct insight into the UV radiation in the Netherlands caused by the depletion of the ozone layer.
• Effective UV radiation in the Netherlands, 1996-2001
  Provides a picture of the influence of cloud cover on UV radiation at the ground level.

Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium

• See the 'environmental pressure, theme of Climate change (greenhouse effect)' index for the emissions of substances that affect the climate.
• See the index 'environmental pressure, theme of Depletion of the ozone layer' for the emissions of substances that deplete the ozone layer.
• Environmental pressure, theme of Climate change: introduction and policy.
• Depletion of the ozone layer: introduction and policy.
• Overview of 'environmental themes and impact on nature', with a reference to four indicators about the relationship between the greenhouse effect and nature.
• Overview Overview of environment-related health risks in the Netherlands.