ABSTRACT
On 30 November 1999 a new and innovative multi-pollutant and multi-effects protocol within the framework of the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) was adopted in Gothenburg. In contrast to earlier LRTAP protocols, which targeted a single substance (e.g., sulphur dioxide) or one main environmental effect (e.g., acidification) at a time, the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol targets four substances—nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and ammonia (NH3)—and three effects—acidification, tropospheric ozone formation, and eutrophication. Moreover, the ambitiousness in terms of agreed emission cuts has been increased considerably. According to the Protocol, Europe’s SO2 emissions shall be cut by 63 per cent, NOx emissions by 41 per cent, VOC emissions by 40 per cent and NH3 emissions by 40 per cent by 2010, compared to their 1990 levels. 1 It was open for signature until 30 May 2000. By that date it had been signed by 31 states. No ratifications by 30 April 2001. 2 Although it was given little attention by the media at the time, according to the then LRTAP Secretary, Lars Nordberg, the agreement is ‘the most sophisticated environmental agreement ever negotiated and will yield great benefits, for both our environment and health.’ 3 This article will seek to answer the following three main questions. First, what was the background for the start-up of negotiations on such a multi-pollutant and multi-effects protocol? Second, how did the process unfold and which were the main factors shaping the outcome? As a parallel policy process has taken place within the European Union (EU), specific attention will here be given to the interplay between the LRTAP and the EU processes. Third, what are the main prospects ahead in terms of implementation scenarios and institutional interplay between LRTAP and the EU?
