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Indicator: A-14 Consumption of ozone-depleting substances - Australian consumption of ozone-depleting substances

Data

Imports of Ozone depleting substances (1997-present)

Total imports in 2004 = 296.6 tonnes

Source: Department of the Environment and Heritage, Annual Report 2004-2005, p. 39

What the data mean

The data shows a significant decline in Australia’s imports of ozone depleting substances. Australia has exceeded its obligations to phase out the use of ozone depleting substances.

Data Limitations

Nil.

Issues for which this is an indicator and why

Atmosphere - Stratospheric ozone - General stratospheric ozone 

The ozone layer occurs in the upper atmosphere (the stratosphere) 15-30 km above the surface of the earth, and protects life on earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The ozone layer is also an important part of the global atmosphere-climate system. Any significant change to this layer can have far-reaching consequences for human and animal health.

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international agreement that sets out a mandatory timetable for the phase out of ozone depleting substances. In Australia, the production of many ozone-depleting substances has ceased and local consumption is limited to some imports. Hence, the level of consumption of ozone depleting substances is based on the level of imports less any substances destroyed by the National Halon Bank. Changes in consumption of ozone depleting substances in Australia is a direct indicator of the effectiveness of Australia’s response to the threat of ozone depletion.

Other indicators for this issue:

• A-10 stratospheric chlorine from the major ozone-depleting substances 
• A-11 Summer mean total ozone column 
• A-12 Trend in the area of the ozone hole 
• A-13 Surface ultraviolet radiation in Australia 
• A-15 Skin melanoma rates 

Further Information

• DEH - Atmosphere