Multi-pollutant protocol designed to reduce acidification, eutrophication and ground-level ozone
First international protocol to set simultaneous emissions ceilings for multiple air pollutants across Europe and North America under the LRTAP Convention.
Key Facts
- Signing date
- 30 November 1999
- Pollutants targeted
- SO₂, NOₓ, VOCs, ammonia
- Initial emissions deadline
- 2010
- Ratifying parties (Aug 2014)
- 26 (25 states + EU)
- 2012 revision deadline
- 2020 further emissions reductions
- Geographic scope
- Europe, North America, EECCA
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Persistent cross-border air pollution causing acidification of ecosystems, eutrophication of water bodies, and harmful ground-level ozone concentrations prompted LRTAP Convention parties to seek a coordinated multi-pollutant regulatory framework covering Europe, North America, and the EECCA region.
On 30 November 1999, parties to the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution signed the Gothenburg Protocol, establishing binding national emissions ceilings for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and ammonia, all to be achieved by 2010.
By August 2014, 26 parties had ratified the Protocol. In May 2012, parties meeting at the UN Office at Geneva agreed revisions extending commitments to 2020, though these amendments require further ratification before becoming legally binding.
Political Outcome
Protocol adopted with binding emissions ceilings for four pollutants to be met by 2010; amended in 2012 to extend targets to 2020, pending ratification.