EEA’s indicator on the consumption of ozone-depleting substances shows that the EU continues to actively phase out the use of these chemicals, in line with its commitment under the Montreal Protocol.
Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are widely used in refrigerants, polymers, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals.
Data for 2022 shows that consumption of ODS in the EU was negative (-3,623 metric tonnes). Negative consumption of ODS means statistically that more of these substances were destroyed or exported than produced or imported.
More:
- OZONE LAYER RECOVERY IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL SUCCESS STORY
- OZONE RESEARCH MANAGERS SAY NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY ON OZONE LAYER RECOVERY
- ARCTIC OZONE DEPLETION TRACKS AT RECORD LEVELS
The updated data is published ahead of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, celebrated annually on 16 September to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987.
Stopping the use of ozone-depleting substances is crucial to protecting the ozone layer in the Earth’s atmosphere. The ozone layer serves an important function as it absorbs the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which can pose a danger to the environment and human health.
Source: EEA
