Protecting the Ozone Layer

Protecting the Ozone layer

What is ozone?

Ozone is a natural, colourless gas made up of oxygen (O3) which is very active. Near the Earth’s surface, ozone is harmful to humans, plants and animals (tropospheric ozone). But ozone also forms a gaseous layer, mostly in the stratosphere (the upper atmosphere) 15-30 km above the surface of the earth, and protects life on earth by absorbing biologically harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Why the ozone layer is vital to life on earth

The ozone layer is a protective shield that blocks the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching the earth’s surface. However, the ozone layer is destroyed by man-made chemicals known as ozone-depleting substances (ODS).

Scientific research has proved that the natural balance of stratospheric ozone has been damaged by the production and release into the atmosphere of ozone-depleting substances, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), halons, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and methyl bromide. These substances are found in refrigerators, air conditioners, fire extinguishers, aerosols, agricultural fumigants, foam and in solvents for cleaning electronic equipment.

As a result, there has been a general thinning of the ozone layer over most of the globe, including between five to nine per cent depletion over Australia since the 1960s. The thinning of the ozone layer has increased the risk that Australians already face from over-exposure to UV radiation from an outdoor lifestyle. In addition, the ozone layer over Antarctica thins dramatically every spring (you may have heard this called the “ozone hole”) due to a mix of ozone-depleting substances and meteorology in the Antarctic stratosphere.

Prolonged exposure to UV radiation is linked to skin cancer, genetic damage and immune system suppression in living organisms, and reduced productivity in agricultural crops and the food chain.

This is particularly important as Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world with over 400,000 new cases reported each year.

What is being done to protect us from the depletion of the ozone layer?

With the discovery of the ozone hole over Antarctica in the mid 1980s, the world was alerted to the potentially disastrous consequences of continuing to allow the uncontrolled release of ozone-depleting substances into the atmosphere.

After this discovery, governments around the world moved quickly to agree the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987. The Montreal Protocol came into force in 1989 and set mandatory targets for phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS).

The Montreal Protocol is the first international treaty to be now ratified by all 197 member countries of the international community. By working together all countries have helped reduce the amount of ODS released into the atmosphere.

As a result, the prospects for the long-term recovery of the ozone layer are good. Non-essential consumption of major ozone depleting substances ceased for developed countries in 1996 and for developing countries in 2010. Scientists predict that if the international community continues to comply with the Montreal Protocol the ozone layer should fully recover between 2050 and 2065.

Without coordinated international action the earth’s protective layer of ozone would almost certainly have been severely damaged. Some studies suggest that ozone loss in the tropics would have been catastrophic by around 2050, and that in mid-latitudes UV values of up to 30 could have occurred by 2065 (10 or over is currently considered extreme).

The Antarctic Ozone hole would also have become a permanent fixture – bigger and deeper, and possibly moving over populated areas in the southern hemisphere.

International studies indicate that the Montreal Protocol has counteracted some very major health effects of ozone depletion and increased UV exposure such as significantly increased mortality and high numbers of cancer and cataract incidents.

Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol

In 2012, the Montreal Protocol celebrated its 25th anniversary and the world celebrated its significant environmental achievements, which include the expected recovery of the ozone layer by the middle of the century.

Australia and the Montreal Protocol

As one of the early countries to ratify the Montreal Protocol, Australia’s approach has been based on a cooperative partnership between industry, community, and all levels of government.

Australia continues to take an active role in ongoing Montreal Protocol negotiations, ensuring that further actions to protect the ozone layer are scientifically based and technically feasible, and that developing countries are supported in their efforts to phase out ozone depleting substances.

Australia has met or exceeded all of its phase out obligations under the Montreal Protocol. For example, Australia will largely phase out consumption of HCFC by 2016, four years ahead of the schedule required under the Protocol. In doing so, Australia will consume 61 per cent less HCFC in the period to 2020 than permitted under the Montreal Protocol.

Australia’s Scientific Contribution

Australian scientists are involved in efforts to improve our understanding of ozone depletion and ways to reduce our ozone ‘impact’. These scientists participate in various international fora and contribute to various United Nations programs and panels.

Many Australian experts have been recognised for their contribution to the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, the work they have done in helping Australia meet its phase-out obligations and for their international contribution to phase-out the use of ozone depleting substances.

National legislation

Under the Commonwealth Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 manufacture, import and export of all ozone depleting substances and their synthetic greenhouse gas replacements is controlled. Particularly, the import and manufacture of ozone-depleting substances is prohibited unless the correct licence and quota, or exemption is obtained.

The Act also prohibits the import and manufacture of products that contain or rely upon CFCs, halon and certain products containing HCFCs. It also controls imports of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment containing an HFC or HCFC refrigerant and puts in place a nationally consistent system to control the end uses of these harmful gases, including emissions.

Domestic action

National regulations are in place which affect people who acquire, possess, dispose of or handle ozone depleting substances or synthetic greenhouse gases in the refrigeration and air conditioning, and fire protection industries. Persons who handle these substances in bulk or in equipment are required to be licensed and companies or persons who acquire, possess or dispose of these substances must also be authorised. The Australian Refrigeration Council and the Fire Protection Association of Australia administers these regulations on behalf of the Australian Government.

International action

The national ozone protection and synthetic greenhouse gas management legislation helps ensure Australia meets its legal obligations under the Montreal Protocol.

It also helps Australia meet its reporting obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change by regulating the import of synthetic greenhouse gases, which are greenhouse gases and replacements for ozone depleting substances.

The Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol provides funds to help developing countries to phase out the use of ozone depleting substances. Australia plays an active role to ensure it continues to result in the maximum benefit in terms of ozone layer protection. As part of its contribution, Australia has also undertaken a number of bilateral projects in developing countries in our region using Australian skills and technology to assist these countries meet their ozone protection obligations.

What people can do to help protect the ozone layer

While government legislation, supported by industry involvement, are major factors in preventing further damage to the ozone layer, individuals also have an important role to play. Following are some simple things that we can all do to help protect the ozone layer.

Only purchase refrigeration and air conditioning products that don’t contain ozone-depleting substances.

Ask your retailer for products that do not contain these substances. You could also ask for products that have no, or low, global warming potential gases in them.

Purchase the right air conditioner for your home.

Before you buy an air conditioner think about how you can reduce the use of air-conditioning by optimising the efficiency of your home. Make note of the size and orientation of rooms and windows within your house where the air conditioner is to be used. Remember that drapes, blinds and shady trees are all barriers to the elements.

Look for the star (or energy) rating label on the air conditioner. More stars mean more energy efficiency, less cost in power bills and less damage to our environment. Compare the energy efficiency of units you are considering at www.energyrating.gov.au or look at the energy rating label on the product.

Service refrigeration and air conditioning equipment regularly.

Servicing these products regularly will help to identify any leaks where refrigerants may be released into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Servicing of the equipment also prolongs its life and ensures it is operating efficiently.

Use approved technicians.

Only use licensed technicians when installing or repairing your refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. A technician who holds a Refrigerant Handling Licence (look out for the ARC-tick) has the training and skills to minimise the emission of refrigerants to the atmosphere. It is an offence for anyone else to handle fluorocarbon refrigerants. You can search for authorised businesses in your area on the Australian Refrigeration Council’s website.

Ensure refrigeration and air conditioning products at end of life are properly de-gassed

There may be refrigerant left inside products which may escape into the atmosphere during removal or later at the disposal site. You will need to have the refrigerant ‘recovered’ by a licensed technician. The recovered refrigerant will be forwarded by the licensed technician to Refrigerant Reclaim Australia for destruction.

Fire equipment

Due to its high ozone-depleting potential, it has been illegal to own or use halon-based fire protection systems in Australia since 1995, unless an exemption has been granted. Halon was widely used in fire extinguishers used in cars, boats and domestically. Fire extinguishers containing halon are yellow.

The National Halon Bank operates a freecall service to advise you on disposal of halon. Check the Department’s website for the latest contact details. Halon may also be disposed of at most metropolitan fire stations.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, visit www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/ozone or email