Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution: Sulphur protocols
The 1985 Helsinki Protocol, the "30% club"
The Protocol on the reduction of sulphur emissions and their transboundary fluxes entered into force in 1987. Twenty-one ECE countries are Parties to this Protocol, which aims at abating one of the major air pollutants. The protocol established a standard target of 30% reduction in national emissions from 1980 levels, although many countries have exceeded this target.
As a result of the Protocol, substantial cuts in sulphur emissions have been recorded in Europe: Taken as a whole, the 21 Parties to the 1985 Sulphur Protocol reduced 1980 sulphur emissions by more than 50% by 1993. Also individually, based on the latest available data, all Parties to the Protocol have reached the reduction target.
Eleven Parties have achieved reductions of at least 60%. Given the target year 1993 for the 1985 Sulphur Protocol, it can be concluded that all Parties to that Protocol have reached the target of reducing emissions by at least 30%.
The UK is well know not to have signed this protocol. However, reductions in SO2 emissions during the 1980s and 90s mean that the UK has achieved the targets set.
The 1994 Oslo "Second Sulphur Protocol"
The 1994 Oslo Protocol on Further Reduction of Sulphur Emissions entered into force on 5 August 1998. An effects-based approach, the critical load concept, best available technology, energy savings, the application of economic instruments and other considerations were applied in the preparation of the Protocol. This has led to a differentiation of emission reduction obligations of Parties to the Protocol. The effects-based approach, which aims at gradually attaining critical loads, sets long-term targets for reductions in sulphur emissions, although it has been recognized that critical loads will not be reached in one single step. Negotiations for continued reduction of sulphur dioxide emissions are continuing in the frame of the "multi-pollutant, multi-effect protocol".
An important new feature was introduced in connection with the adoption of the Second Sulphur Protocol. A decision was reached on the structure and functions of an Implementation Committee, as well as procedures for its review of compliance. The Committee, consisting of eight Parties, shall analyse and evaluate on a periodic basis information related to compliance with Parties' obligations with a view to securing constructive solutions in case of non-compliance. The Convention secretariat will be called upon to provide input for this process.
Text based on material from the Convention web site: http://www.unece.org/env/lrtap/
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