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The European Union has a strong commitment to protect the ozone layer. To facilitate its recovery the EU has implemented legislation that goes beyond its obligations under international agreements. The consumption of ozone depleting substances, as far as controlled under the Montreal Protocol, has already been reduced to zero since 2010, ten years before the international target of 2020.
The importance of a healthy ozone layer
The ozone layer in the upper atmosphere protects humans and other organisms from the solar UV radiation. In the 1970s scientists discovered that certain man-made chemicals deplete the ozone layer leading to an increased level of UV radiation.
An overexposure to UV radiation leads to a number of serious health risks for humans. It does not only cause sunburns but causes furthermore greater incidences of skin cancer and eye cataracts. Children and light skinned people are particularly vulnerable. There are also serious impacts for biodiversity. For example, increased UV radiation reduces the levels of plankton in the oceans and subsequently diminish fish stocks. It can also have adverse effects on plant growth, thus reducing agricultural productivity. A direct negative economic impact is the reduced lifespan of certain materials like plastics.
The link to climate change
Moreover, most man-made ozone depleting substances are also very potent greenhouse cases. Some of them are up to 14 000 times stronger than CO2. Therefore, eliminating those substances also contributes significantly to the prevention of climate change. The phase out of ODS has so far delayed the impact of climate change by 8-12 years.
EU at the forefront
To protect the ozone layer the international community has established the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer in 1987. The European Union and its Member States are at the forefront of ozone layer protection with a policy that often goes beyond the requirements of the Montreal Protocol.
By 2010 the European Union has reduced its consumption of ozone depleting substances (ODS) to zero, 10 years ahead of its obligation under the Montreal Protocol. Furthermore, EU has put in controls for any use of ozone depleting substances that are not considered as consumption under the Montreal Protocol, such as uses of ODS as feedstock in the chemical industry. In particular the EU has banned the use of the toxic methyl bromide for any kind of fumigation.
The EU legislation has not only been very effective in controlling ozone depleting substances but also acted as a driver for the development of innovative technologies such as alternatives for methyl bromide alternatives, new blowing agents for insulation foam, CFC-free metered dose inhalers for the treatment of asthma, and the creation of innovative fire fighting systems on board ships and airplanes which do not use halons.
The job is not done yet …
The global consumption of ozone depleting substances has reduced by 95%. As a result the first signs of the recovery of the ozone layer are visible. Nevertheless, the recovery of the ozone layer is currently not expected before the mid of the century.
Much remains to be done to ensure the continuous recovery of the ozone layer and to reduce the impact of ODS on climate change such as:
- The recovery of ODS existing in equipment and buildings,
- Ensuring that climate friendly alternatives are used to replace ODS,
- The continuous use of ODS worldwide is further reduced and that the existing measures are properly implemented,
- The prevention of illegal trade.