sector has increased by 36.7%, the residential sector by 28.8% and the transport sector by 20.4%.

In May 2002, Japan revised the “Climate Change Policy Law,” and in June of the same year ratified the Kyoto Protocol, which sets legally binding numerical targets for greenhouse gas emissions in developed nations. As of September 23, 2004, 124 countries and the EU have ratified the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol will enter into force after the total carbon dioxide emissions of the developed countries that have ratified the Protocol exceeds 55% of the total carbon dioxide emitted by all developed countries in 1990. Unfortunately, the condition for the Kyoto Protocol to enter into force has not been fulfilled. Currently, Japan is making appeals to unratified countries, such as Russia, to ratify the Protocol.

Drastic initiatives will be needed to devise a solution to the problem of global warming. These initiatives include strengthening policies in all areas of our socio-economic system, integrating various policies, and reengineering our current socio-economic system of mass production, mass consumption, and mass disposal in the future.

## (2) Depletion of the Ozone Layer

It has become known that the ozone layer is being destroyed by ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). There is concern that depletion of the ozone layer may increase the quantity of harmful ultraviolet rays reaching the earth, causing health damages such as skin cancer and cataracts in humans.

The ozone layer is being depleted over almost the entire globe except for the tropics. In Japan, a long-term depletion of the ozone layer has been observed above Sapporo, Tsukuba, and Kagoshima. The decrease is especially notable above Sapporo. Over the Antarctica, the largest scale of ozone depletion ever appeared was recorded in 2003.

In Japan, the production of CFCs, etc. is regulated pur-

Percentages of Carbon Dioxide Emitted in 1990 by Annex I Countries

Notes: The Kyoto Protocol will enter into force 90 days after the following two conditions are fulfilled: (i) At least 55 countries must ratify the protocol; and

(ii) The carbon emissions from developed countries that have ratified the protocol must exceed 55% of the total carbon emissions of all developed countries in 1990.

Source: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment based on data gathered and published by the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Changes in the Annual Average of Total Ozone Amount over Japan

Changes in the Size of Ozone Hole over Antarctica

suant to the Ozone Layer Protection Law. In addition, the recovery and destruction of fluorocarbons at the disposal stage of products are mandated by the Law for the Recycling of Specified Kinds of Home Appliances and the Law for Ensuring the Implementation of Recovery and Destruction of Fluorocarbons concerning Specified Products.

### 2. Conservation of the Atmospheric Environment (not including the global atmospheric environment)

## (1) Acid Deposition and Dust and Sandstorms

Acid deposition can produce the various effects on the environment and living creatures such as trees or fish by increasing acidity in soil, lake water, etc. Buildings, artificial constructions and cultural assets can be affected by the acid deposition. In the US and Europe, acidification of lakes and reservoirs and the decline of forests caused by acid deposition have been reported.