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 methyl bromide (1993)

Source(s)
Annex VII: Declaration on methyl bromide - Fifth Meeting of the Parties

DECLARATION BY AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, DENMARK, FINLAND, GERMANY, ICELAND, ISRAEL, ITALY, LIECHTENSTEIN, NETHERLANDS, SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND,UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES 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, partly due to methyl bromide,

Being aware that reductions in the emissions of methyl bromide 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 in many cases more environmentally sound alternative substances, methods and technologies are already available and others are rapidly being developed,

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

Declare their firm determination to reduce their consumption of methyl bromide by at least 25 per cent at the latest by the year 2000, and to phase out totally the consumption of methyl bromide as soon as technically possible.