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: Twentieth Meeting of the Parties (Doha, 16 - 20 November 2008)

Source(s)
Annex to decision XX/5

Table A. 2009 agreed critical use categories (metric tonnes)

Canada Pasta (4.74)
Israel

Dates (2.100), flour mills (0.300), broomrape (125.000), cut flowers – bulbs – protected (85.431), cut flowers – open field (34.698), melon – protected and field (87.500), potato (75.000), sweet potatoes (95.000), strawberry runners (Sharon and Gaza) (28.075), strawberry fruit – protected (Sharon and Gaza) (77.750)

Table B. 2009 permitted levels of production and consumption (metric tonnes)

Canada

4.74

Israel

610.554

Table C. 2010 agreed critical use categories (metric tonnes)

Australia

Strawberry runners (29.790), Rice (6.65)

Canada

Mills (22.878), strawberry runners (Prince Edward Island) (7.462)

Japan

Chestnuts (5.400), cucumbers (30.690), ginger - field (53.400), ginger – protected (8.300), melons (81.72), pepper - green and hot (72.99), watermelon (14.500)

United States of America

Commodities (19.242), NPMA food processing structures (cocoa beans removed) (37.778), mills and processors (173.023), dried cured pork (4.465), cucurbits (302.974), eggplant – field (32.820), forest nursery seedlings (117.826), nursery stock – fruit, nut, flower (17.363), orchard replant (215.800), ornamentals (84.617), peppers – field (463.282), strawberries – field (1007.477), strawberry runners (4.690), tomatoes – field (737.584), sweet potato slips (14.515)

Table D. 2010 permitted levels of production and consumption (metric tonnes)

Australia

36.44

Canada

30.34

Japan

267.0

United States of America

2 763.456*

* Minus available stocks.