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 regarding methyl bromide (1997)

Source(s)
Annex XII: Declaration regarding methyl bromide - Ninth Meeting of the Parties

by

BOLIVIA, BURUNDI, CANADA, CHILE, COLOMBIA, DENMARK, GHANA, ICELAND, NAMIBIA, NETHERLANDS, NEW ZEALAND, ROMANIA, SWITZERLAND, URUGUAY AND VENEZUELA

Whereas, the World Meteorological Organization has concluded that methyl bromide is highly destructive to the ozone layer, and that the 1994 Scientific Assessment Panel concluded that the elimination of methyl bromide is the single most significant step Governments can take to reduce future ozone loss,

Whereas, it is also clear that methyl bromide is highly toxic to workers, public health, and the global ecosystem,

Whereas, TEAP 1994 and 1997 reports have identified a wide range of economically viable alternatives to methyl bromide in both industrialized and developing countries,

Whereas, a recent report by Environment Canada has estimated the global economic benefits associated with reduced UV-B exposure to be $459 billion by 2060,

Whereas, the tenth anniversary Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol failed to adopt a phase-out schedule which will adequately protect public health and the environment from increased UV-B radiation,

Be it resolved that:

Urgent action is needed on the national and international level to phase-out methyl bromide as soon as possible.

Therefore, the undersigned countries pledge to promote sustainable alternatives to methyl bromide in their own nations and worldwide.

Montreal, 17 September 1997