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Estonian activities in protection of the ozone layer recognized by the UN

Today, the Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus-Rosimannus accepted a UN letter of recognition by which Estonia is thanked and recognised for its work on protection of the ozone layer.

On September 16, 25 years ago, countries agreed that they need to jointly protect the already damaged ozone layer and signed the Montreal Protocol, the main objective of which is to limit and eventually remove from use all substances that reduce the ozone layer. Estonia joined the agreement in 1996. ”This international initiative is a wonderful example of how countries are able to solve even truly large global problems if they act decisively and jointly. There is no other environmental agreement ratified by more countries, 197 in total. And what is even more important – the states have not just given their signatures, they have actually done a lot,” Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus-Rosimannus said.

By 2007, all countries participating in the Protocol had reduced the use of ozone-layer thinning substances by 95%, at that, many substances have been completely withdrawn from use. Thanks to the requirements set in the Montreal Protocol, alternatives and new technologies are being developed. In Estonia, sales of ozone layer reducing substances has been significantly dropped, the use of ozone-damaging substances in asthma treatment, pest control and production of construction materials has been stopped. More economically friendly alternative substances are also being used in freezing equipment and fire extinguishing systems on ships. The safety of halon objects still in use is constantly monitored and health damaging agents are only treated in the national treatment centres in Tallinn.

The ozone layer is like an Earth’s shield that reflects the ultra violet light from the Sun. Without that layer, life on Earth would end. The ozone layer destructing agents that contain chlorine or bromine have been created by people. First of them, freon, was introduced in 1928. Back then, it was considered a wonder gas, more and more uses were found for it and soon its production doubled. After that, many similar, seemingly safe gases were created. But then, the ability of these gases to destroy the ozone layer was discovered. In 1985, scientists confirmed that the impact of these gases has been so strong that there is an ozone hole above the Antarctic.

By today, the condition of the ozone is improving. Scientists believe that the ozone layer will restore itself by the end of this century, if the activities and objectives set out in the Montreal Protocol are fully implemented.