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: Thirty-First Meeting of the Parties (Rome, 4-8 November 2019)

Source(s)
Annex to decision XXXI/4

Table A
Agreed critical-use categories


Party / year

Category

Amount (tonnes) a

2021

Australia

Strawberry runners

28.980

2020

Argentina

Strawberry fruit

7.830

Tomatoes

12.790

Canada

Strawberry runners

5.2610

South Africa

Mills

0.300

Houses

34.000

a Tonnes = metric tons.

Table B
Permitted levels of production and consumption


Party / year

Amount (tonnes) a

2021

Australia

28.980

2020

Argentina

20.620

Canada

5.261

South Africa

34.300

a Tonnes = metric tons.