Prohibition of the use of chlorofluorcarbons and on other measures to preserve the ozone layer
- Author(s):
- Parliamentary Assembly
- Origin
- See Doc. 4558, report of the Committee on Science and Technology. Text adopted by the Standing Committee, acting on behalf of the Assembly, on 3 July 1980.
- Thesaurus
The Assembly,
1. Having regard to the series of hearings organised by its Committee on Science and Technology (London, 5 July, and Paris, 8 December 1978) and to the findings of the International Conference on Fluorocarbons (Munich, 6-8 December 1978), which stressed the need for more research on the effects of depletion of the ozone layer and on the economic and social consequences of curtailing the manufacture of chlorofluorocarbons ;
2. Noting that the ozone of the stratosphere has an important influence on the earth's climate and protects the earth's surface against certain types of ultra-violet radiation ;
3. Noting that, in the present state of scientific knowledge, the continued use of man-made chlorofluorocarbons- as, for example, in aerosol spray cans- risks leading to an appreciable diminution of the ozone layer, and thus to possibly harmful changes in the ecosystem and to the higher incidence of skin cancer in humans ;
4. Expressing its satisfaction with the establishment within the framework of the United Nations Development Programme of a "World Plan of Action on the Ozone Layer", having as its aim the improvement of scientific data ;
5. Having taken note of the possible socio-economic implications of controlling the use of chlorofluorocarbons as revealed by OECD studies ;
6. Considering however that :
6.1 there is a strong case for limiting and controlling the use of chlorofluorocarbons as a preventive measure, even though available scientific data on the effects of chlorofluorocarbons on the ozone layer, and consequently on living creatures, plant life, climate and the ecosystem, are as yet inconclusive ;
6.2 although this is a global problem, the industrialised countries of Western Europe bear a special responsibility since they are the main producers and consumers of chlorofluorocarbons,
7. Accordingly expresses its satisfaction with :
7.1 measures being taken or being prepared by a number of states- in particular the United States, Canada, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands- to limit the use of chlorofluorocarbons in aerosol spray cans ;
7.2 the resolution of 30 May 1978 of the Council of Ministers of the European Communities calling on their member states to take all appropriate measures to ensure that their industries do not increase production capacity of chlorofluorocarbons F-11 and F-12, together with the decision of 17 December 1979 to reduce the use of chlorofluorocarbons in aerosol spray cans by 30% compared to the level of use in the Community in 1976 ;
8. Invites the governments of member states of the Council of Europe :
8.1 to arrange for the concerted study and implementation in their respective countries of the decisions taken within the framework of the European Communities ;
8.2 to take appropriate measures to inform consumers on this question, in particular by making it obligatory to indicate the use of chlorofluorocarbons on the labels of aerosol spray cans containing the products in question :
8.3 to take an active part in the monitoring of the ozone layer and of atmospheric substances liable to deplete it, as advocated in the United Nations World Plan of Action ;
8.4 to promote further scientific research with a view :
8.4.1 to better evaluating the effects on ozone of man-made chemical substances (such as chlorofluorocarbons), and the consequent effects on human beings, plant life, the ecosystem and climate ;
8.4.2 to developing substitute products, so as to maintain employment in the industries concerned ;
8.4.3 to studying atmospheric and climatic disturbances as a whole arising from human activities, so as to permit inter alia a better understanding of the effects of chlorofluorocarbons.
