The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a global agreement to protect the Earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the chemicals that deplete it. This phase-out plan includes both the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. The landmark agreement was signed in 1987 and entered into force in 1989.

The parties to the Protocol meet once a year to make decisions aimed at ensuring the successful implementation of the agreement. These include adjusting or amending the Protocol, which has been done six times since its creation. The most recent amendment, the Kigali Amendment, called for the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in 2016. These HFCs were used as replacements for a batch of ozone-depleting substances eliminated by the original Montreal Protocol. Although they do not deplete the ozone layer, they are known to be powerful greenhouse gases and, thus, contributors to climate change.

The Montreal Protocol provided a set of practical, actionable tasks that were universally agreed on. The Protocol has successfully met its objectives thus far and continues to safeguard the ozone layer today. Thanks to the collaborative effort of nations around the world, the ozone layer is well on its way to recovery.

Reporting accounting framework for essential uses other than laboratory and analytical applications

Source(s)
Annex IV: Reporting accounting framework for essential uses other than laboratory and analytical applications - Eighth Meeting of the Parties
A B C D E F

(D + E)

 G

(C - F)

 H1 I

(H + F)

 J K L M2

(I - J - L)
Year of essential use Ozone-depleting

substance

 Amount exempted for year of essential use3 Amount acquired by production Amount acquired for essential uses by import and countries of manufacture Total acquired for essential use Authorized but not acquired On hand

start of year1

 Available for use in current year Used for essential use Quantity contained in exported products Destroyed On hand end of year2
        Amount Country (s)                
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                           

All quantities expressed in metric tonnes.

 

1National Governments may not be able to estimate quantities on hand as at 1 January 1996 but can track the subsequent inventory of ODS produced for essential uses (Column M).

2Carried forward as on hand start of the year for next year.

3Note that essential use for a particular year may be the sum of quantities authorized by decision in more than one year.