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Ozone layer depletion

At present, ozone layer depletion is one of the most serious global environmental problems. During the mid-70s it was observed that the layer of the Earth’s atmosphere which absorbs the sun’s ultraviolet rays that are harmful for human health and environment, stratospheric ozone layer, was being rapidly depleted. It is now considered that chemical substances synthesised by man are the cause for ozone layer depletion.

Possible consequences of ozone layer depletion are decreased rate of photosynthesis, damage to flora and fauna, increased risk of skin cancer, and the activation of air pollution problems associated with photo-chemical processes.

In order to protect the ozone layer, a convention ‘On the Protection of the Ozone Layer’ was signed in Vienna in 1985, in which the member states undertook an obligation to implement the necessary political, scientific and technical measures to abate further depletion of the ozone layer.

In 1987, a protocol ‘On Substances Destroying the Ozone Layer’ was ratified in Montreal. The protocol listed ozone layer depleting substances, as well as terms for the exclusion of the named substances from products.

In 1994, in order to implement the requirements of the Montreal Protocol, MEPRD started elaborating a national programme ‘On the Exclusion of Ozone Layer Depleting Substances (OLDS) from Economic Activity’. At present, the programme has been drafted and it will be adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers. It is expected that Latvia will join the Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol in 1995.

The only measure for solution of the problem of ozone layer depletion is the exclusion of ozone layer depleting substances from economic activity. The following instruments are applicable for implementation of this measure:

• a direct ban (preferably, a gradual one) on the use and sale of OLDS (OLDS are not produced in Latvia). Such a ban is provided for by aforementioned international agreements;
• changes of technology that would allow abandoning the use of OLDS. International agreements provide that such technologies should be transferred to countries in transition on preferential terms. When a country in transition joins the Montreal protocol, international sources of financing become available to it. The Latvian government has also provided that part of the costs necessary for the substitution of OLDS with substances not harmful to the ozone layer will be covered by the Nature Resources Tax;
• involving consumers - a public information programme, and promoting the popularity of products not containing OLDS.

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Last updated: November 8, 1996. The information prepared by Valts Vilnitis: fuxis@varam.gov.lv