To guarantee the use of common methods and criteria for assessing ozone concentrations and ozone precursors. To guarantee that appropriate information is obtained and made available to the public. For instance, acidification has destroyed fish populations in thousands of lakes and streams in Scandinavia.
Acidification also makes many forests vulnerable to drought, disease and harmful insects.
Nitrogen supply to the soil is critical for plant nutrition. However, plants vary in their need for nitrogen. Acidification, tropospheric ozone and eutrophication of soils are transboundary phenomena and must therefore be tackled through coordinated Community action. The fifth action programme for the environment makes provision for amendments to current legislation on atmospheric pollutants so as to guarantee effective protection against the effects of ozone exposure on human health, vegetation, ecosystems and the environment. Proposal - National emission ceilings 7.