State of the Environment Queensland 2007

Key findings !" Atmospheric concentrations of ozone depleting substances have decreased as a result of the effectiveness of the Montreal Protocol. !" The global (60°S–60°N) ozone concentration is projected to return to pre-1980 levels by around the middle of the 21st century. !" Antarctic ozone levels are projected to return to pre-1980 levels around 2060–75, which is 10–25 years later than previously estimated. !" The long time lag between emission of ozone depleting substances and the recovery of stratospheric ozone implies a continuing risk to human health and the environment from ongoing exposure to elevated levels of UV-B radiation. !" Queensland people will continue to experience increased rates of skin cancer arising from increased levels of UV radiation until about 2060, because of the long lag time between exposure and cancer formation. !" Ozone recovery is strongly coupled to climate change processes through the in uence of increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases. Indicator Status of indicator Stratospheric ozone concentrations and trends Signi cant stratospheric ozone depletion still occurs over Antarctica during spring each year. Stratospheric ozone depletion has stabilised since a signi cant decrease in the concentration of ozone depleting substances in the 1980s and 1990s. Substantial recovery of the ozone layer is expected by 2050 in mid-latitudes and by 2075 in high latitudes (polar regions). The production and consumption of major ozone depleting substances, with the exception of hydrochloro uorocarbons, have been phased out in Australia. Commonwealth Regulations have replaced state and territory legislation for managing ozone depleting substances. Information quality is very good; accurate and comprehensive measurements of stratospheric ozone are available from multiple sources. Recovery and destruction of ozone depleting substances The phasing-out of ozone depleting substances is progressing well in response to the Montreal Protocol and other associated national actions to phase out such substances and replace them with less harmful substitutes. There has been a downward trend in the concentration of ozone depleting substances since they reached peak levels in the late 1990s. The Australian Government is responsible for the regulation of the use, recovery and destruction of ozone depleting substances. Since regulation commenced, Australia has collected over 3000 tonnes of ozone depleting substances, which have been recycled, stored or destroyed. Data accuracy is very good due to statutory requirements. Level of UV-B radiation at the Earth's surface Elevated levels of solar UV-B radiation at ground level continue to pose a signi cant health risk …