Ozone-depleting substances
Certain chemical substances deplete the protective ozone layer that surrounds the earth. It is therefore most important that all countries prohibit the production and use of ozone-depleting substances as soon as satisfactory substitutes are available on the market. Sweden is playing a successful role in efforts to this end both at home and abroad.
The production and use of ozone-depleting chemicals has a global impact on the environment. International efforts to eliminate these substances are absolutely necessary in order to achieve the environmental objective of A Protective Ozone Layer. The most important instrument for these international efforts is the Montreal Protocol.
A Protective Ozone Layer
In Sweden action on ozone-depleting substances is linked to the specific environmental objective A Protective Ozone Layer, one of sixteen objectives designed to point the way to an ecologically sustainable society within one generation. This objective calls for concentrations of chlorine, bromine and other ozone depleting substances in the stratosphere do not exceed natural levels, and for the use of ozone-depleting chemicals in Sweden to be phased out within one generation.
Action on the ozone layer by the Swedish EPA
The Swedish EPA is acting to develop and enforce regulations on ozone-depleting substances both at home and internationally. It provides guidance and information for other agencies and drafts regulations where necessary. At the national level the Agency provides assistance with measurements of the thickness of the ozone layer.
The Swedish EPA has express responsibility for technical issues under the Montreal Protocol. This means that the Agency is involved in EU work and negotiations under the Protocol and assists progress in developing countries through participation in the multilateral fund established by the Protocol. The EPA is also a member of a SIDA-funded network for environmental officers working with the phase out ozone-depleting substances in Southeast Asia. Progress in developing countries is absolutely vital if the use of ozone-depleting substances is to be successfully phased out in the long term.
More information:
Contact: Maria Ujfalusi
E-mail: maria.ujfalusi(a)naturvardsverket.se