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.

Declaration on hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) (1993)

Source(s)
Annex VI: Declaration on hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) - Fifth Meeting of the Parties

DECLARATION BY AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, BOTSWANA, DENMARK, EUROPEAN ECONOMICCOMMUNITY, FINLAND, GERMANY, ICELAND, ITALY, LIECHTENSTEIN,MALTA, NETHERLANDS, NORWAY, SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND, UNITED KINGDOM AND ZIMBABWE

The above Parties present at the Fifth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol,

Concerned about the continuing depletion of the ozone layer of both the northern and southern hemispheres,

being aware that reductions in the emissions of HCFC will have a beneficial effect on the ozone layer, especially in the coming 10 years where chlorine concentrations in the atmosphere will reach a critical maximum,

being also aware that more environmentally sound alternative substances and technologies are already existing or are rapidly being developed and that in various areas a complete substitution of CFCs can already be achieved today without using HCFCs,

stress the need to strengthen further the control measures decided at the Fourth Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol,

declare their firm determination to take all appropriate measures to limit the use of HCFC to absolute necessary applications and to phase out the consumption of HCFCs as soon as possible but not later than the year 2015.