The world has come far, but not far enough, on solutions to stratospheric ozone depletion, says a study released today by the Global Environment & Technology Foundation. The report, entitled The State of Stratospheric Ozone Depletion, aims to raise the awareness of government officials, business leaders and the public on the current state of the stratospheric ozone issue, informing them of the new technologies available in today's marketplace, and illustrating how an appropriate mix of policies and incentives can motivate actions to mitigate ozone depletion.

Although climate change and urban smog have recently taken center stage on the environmental platform, the issue of stratospheric ozone depletion remains a serious problem that continues to cause harm to human health and damage to the earth's ecosystems. Increased knowledge of the dangers of ozone depletion, such as higher rates of skin cancer and detrimental effects to the agriculture and fishing industries, has only further convinced the international community, both politically and practically, that cooperative and immediate action is necessary to halt further destruction of the protective ozone layer. Landmark international accords made in recent years also demonstrate the world's acknowledgement of the need for global cooperation to address ozone depletion.

Beginning with scientists"first recognition of ozone depletion in the 1970s, the report provides historical context for ozone over the last 30 years and describes current findings and observations on the ozone layer's road to recovery. It examines the role stratospheric ozone plays in the health of the planet and looks at the scope of the problem and actions taken by the international community to reduce ozone loss. The report also identifies the numerous steps taken by governments, business and public citizens to reduce ozone depletion and documents the progress achieved over the last several years. The report indicates that a formidable challenge remains to cease production and consumption of manmade compounds that are primarily responsible for the destruction of the ozone layer.

The report sites evidence that not only has the size of the southern ozone hole reached record proportions in the past few years but increasingly, ozone depletion problems are being observed in the Arctic as well. This evidence indicates a need for more stringent action by the collective global community to ensure all nations stop the production and use of substances that harm the ozone layer, such as cholorfluorocarbons (CFCs), in advance of, or at a minimum in accordance with, current timetables. The report reviews the U.S. response to ozone depletion from the federal and state government perspectives, and looks at the leadership role U.S. industry is playing in developing new substances and processes.

The report concludes:
While the international community has devised policies and measures through the Montreal Protocol to address the serious environmental and human health impacts of stratospheric ozone depletion, much remains to be done before full recovery of the ozone layer can be realized.
The market for non-ozone depleting products is robust, competitive and growing, providing consumers with many alternatives to ozone depleting products well ahead of required phase-out dates.

Government and industry have worked well to chart a path for ozone layer recovery.
Additional steps, including the accelerated phase-out of ozone depleting products, increased public awareness for ozone protection and consumer incentives for non-ozone depleting alternatives are all timely for consideration.

On a national level, it is the role of federal government, states, and non-profit organizations to continue and expand efforts to explain and combat the problem of stratospheric ozone depletion to all generations, including its public health impacts and environmental risks. Most importantly, the public needs to become more actively engaged by making informed purchases and encouraging local governments and industry to eliminate production and use of all ozone-depleting substances.

The release of this report comes at a time when the issues surrounding the ozone layer depletion are receiving international attention. On September 16, 2003, the United Nations Environment Programme will host its annual "International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer" to raise public awareness about ozone depletion and the steps that can be taken to help ensure the public's health and safety and the preservation of the Earth's critical ecosystems.

The Global Environment & Technology Foundation (GETF) is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization that focuses on three priorities -- facilitating project-oriented partnerships, building information networks and helping deploy technologies that promote sustainable development. A key objective of GETF is to help government agencies and businesses use resources more efficiently in ways that benefit both financial and environmental performance. For more information on GETF, visit http://www.getf.org.

Source: GNET