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.

Statement on control measures (1991)

Source(s)
para 60 of the report of the Third Meeting of the Parties

made by the Heads of Delegations representing the governments of Sweden, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Denmark at the Third Meeting of the Parties

We, the heads of delegations of Sweden, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Denmark, believe that the recent analysis of the state of the stratospheric ozone layer calls for the adoption of more stringent control measures at the Fourth Meeting of the Parties in 1992.

We are also of the opinion that the substitution of the controlled substances with transitional substances must be as moderate and temporary as possible.

We note that the London resolution urges the adoption, in accordance with the spirit of the paragraph 11 of Article 2 of the Protocol, of more stringent measures in order to protect the Ozone Layer.

Because of this we express our firm determination to phase-out the production and the consumption of CFCs, halons and carbon tetrachloride controlled by the Montreal Protocol, as soon as possible but not later than the year 1997 and to phase-out 1,1,1-trichloromethane (methyl chloroform) as soon as possible but not later than the year 2000. We also think it is necessary to tighten the timetable agreed upon in the Montreal Protocol taking due account of the special situation of developing countries.

We are also determined to limit by no later than 1995 the use of transitional substances (HCFCs) to specific key applications where other more environmentally suitable alternative substances or technologies are not available, and to phase-out their use in those areas as soon as technically feasible.”

Nairobi, 19-21 June 1991