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.

Critical-use exemptions: Twenty-Eigth Meeting of the Parties (Kigali, 10-14 October 2016)

Source(s)
Annex to decision XXVIII/7

Table A

Agreed critical-use categories
(Metric tonnes)

2018

 

Australia

Strawberry runners 29.730

2017

 

Argentina

Strawberry fruit 38.84, tomato 64.10

Canada

Strawberry runners (Prince Edward Island) 5.261

China

Ginger, open field 74.617; ginger, protected 18.36

South Africa

Mills 4.1, structures 55.0

 

Table B

Permitted levels of production and consumptiona
(Metric tonnes)

2018

 

Australia

 29.730

2017

 

Argentina

102.94

Canada

    5.261

China

  92.977

South Africa

  59.1

a Minus available stocks.