Ozone Timeline
2020
Kigali Amendment exceeds 100 ratifications
Since coming into effect on 1 January 2019, the number of parties to ratify the Kigali Amendment exceed 100. The Kigali Amendment will avoid around 0.4°C of global heating directly by encouraging the use of climate-safe refrigerants in place of high global warming HFCs.
2019
Quito Adjustment
The Adjustment to the Montreal Protocol agreed in 2018 in Quito at the Thirtieth Meeting of the Parties enters into force on 21 June 2019.
Kigali Amendment enters into force
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol enters into force on 1 January 2019. The Amendment will reduce the projected production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by more than 80 per cent over the next 30 years.
2016
Kigali Amendment adopted
Parties adopt the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on 15 October, agreeing to phase down the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
2015
HFC phase-down pathway agreed to
After six years of discussions, parties agree to work under the “Dubai Pathway on Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)” towards an amendment to the Montreal Protocol to phase down HFCs.
Notable reductions by developing countries
Developing countries phase out methyl chloroform and reduce by 10 per cent their production and consumption of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
2014
All four Protocol Amendments ratified
All four Amendments to the Montreal Protocol achieve universal ratification by 197 Parties.
2013
Healing of ozone layer confirmed
The scientific assessment of ozone depletion in 2014 confirms that the ozone layer is healing and will return to pre-1980 levels by mid-century, thanks to actions taken by Parties under the Montreal Protocol.
90 per cent reduction of HCFCs in developed countries
Developed countries eliminate 90 per cent of their HCFC production and consumption.
Developing countries freeze HCFCs
Developing countries freeze the production and consumption of HCFCs.
2012
Skin cancer prevention recognized
A scientific article published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology notes that through ozone protection efforts, up to 2 million cases of skin cancer may be prevented each year by 2030.
2010
All parties phase out fully hydrogenated ODSs
All parties to the Montreal Protocol phase out the consumption and production of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride and other fully hydrogenated ozone depleting substances.
2009
Climate change impact measured
A scientific article published in the PNAS journal notes that the Montreal Protocol has averted more than 135 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions going to the atmosphere, thus significantly contributing to the mitigation of climate change.
2008
Universal ratification achieved
The Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol become the first multilateral environmental treaties to achieve universal ratification.
Protocol Adjustments enter into force
Adjustments to the Montreal Protocol agreed in 2007 in Montreal at the Nineteenth Meeting of the Parties enter into force.
2007
HCFC phase-out accelerated
The Montreal Protocol is adjusted to accelerate the phase-out of HCFCs by developing countries.
2005
Largest Antarctic ozone hole recorded
The largest Antarctic ozone hole, averaging 26.6 million square kilometres, is recorded.
2004
Developed countries phase out methyl bromide
Developed countries phase out methyl bromide, followed by developing countries by 2015.
2003
Montreal Protocol wins praise
Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan terms the Montreal Protocol “perhaps the single most successful international environmental agreement to date.”
2002
Beijing Amendment enters into force
The Beijing Amendment to the Montreal Protocol agreed in 1999 in Beijing at the Eleventh Meeting of the Parties enter into force.
1999
Montreal Amendment enters into force
The Montreal Amendment to the Montreal Protocol agreed in 1997 in Montreal at the Ninth Meeting of the Parties enters into force.
1998
Protocol adjustments enter into force
Adjustments to the Montreal Protocol agreed in 1997 in Montreal at the Ninth Meeting of the Parties enter into force.
1997
First developing country control measures take effect
The first set of control measures under the Montreal Protocol take effect for developing countries.
1996
Developing countries freeze HCFCs
Developing countries freeze the production and consumption of HCFCs.
Protocol adjustments enter into force
Adjustments to the Montreal Protocol agreed in 1995 in Vienna at the Seventh Meeting of the Parties enter into force.
1994
Ozone work wins nobel prize
The Nobel Prize for Chemistry is awarded to Sherwood Rowland, Mario Molina and Paul Crutzen for their pioneering work in atmospheric chemistry, particularly concerning the formation and decomposition of ozone.
Developed countries phase out halons
Developed countries phase out halons used in products such as fire-fighting equipment, followed by developing countries in 2010.
Copenhagen Amendment enters into force
The Copenhagen Amendment to the Montreal Protocol agreed in 1992 in Copenhagen at the Fourth Meeting of the Parties enters into force.
1993
International Ozone Day proclaimed
The UN General Assembly proclaims 16 September as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, to be observed from 1995 on 16 September.
Permanent Multilateral Fund established
The Multilateral Fund is established on a permanent basis to replace the Interim Multilateral Fund.
Protocol Adjustments enter into force
Adjustments to the Montreal Protocol agreed in 1992 in Copenhagen at the Fourth Meeting of the Parties enter into force.
1992
Adoption of the non-compliance procedure
The non-compliance procedure of the Montreal Protocol is adopted. Establishment of the Implementation Committee.
London Amendment enters into force
The London Amendment to the Montreal Protocol agreed in 1990 in London at the Second Meeting of the Parties enters into force.
1991
Multilateral Fund becomes operational
The Interim Multilateral Fund becomes operational.
Adjustments enter into force
Adjustments to the Montreal Protocol agreed in 1990 in London at the Second Meeting of the Parties enter into force.
1990
Ozone phase-out begins
Implementing agencies commence ozone phase-out activities, with funding from the Multilateral Fund.
Interim Non-Compliance procedure adopted
The Interim Non-Compliance Procedure for the Montreal Protocol is adopted.
Financial mechanism adopted
Parties to the Montreal Protocol decide to amend the Protocol to create a financial mechanism under the Protocol, including the Multilateral Fund.
1989
Montreal Protocol enters into force
The Montreal Protocol enters into force on 1 January.
First Assessment Panel reports published
First reports by Assessment Panels on the review of control measures under the Montreal Protocol are published, and since, periodic assessments have been published, providing critical information to the Parties, based on available scientific, environmental, technical and economic information.
1988
First control measures
The first set of control measures under the Montreal Protocol take effect for developed countries.
Vienna Convention enters into force
The Vienna Convention enters into force on 22 September.
1987
Montreal Protocol adoption
The Montreal Protocol is adopted on 16 September. The day is marked globally as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer since 16 September 1995.
1985
Antarctic hole
British Antarctic Survey scientists report on the recurring springtime ozone hole over Antarctica.
1977
The World Plan of Action
The World Plan of Action on the Ozone Layer adopted by the UNEP Governing Council calls for intensive international research and monitoring of the ozone layer.
1974
Discovery
Scientists Sherwood (Sherry) Rowland and Mario Molina in a scientific article published in the journal Nature warn that human-generated CFCs are harming the ozone layer.