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.

Decision VIII/19: Organization and functioning of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel

The Eighth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. VIII/19:

  1. To note with appreciation the work done by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel and its Technical Options Committees and Working Groups in preparing their reports;
  2. To note with appreciation the report of the Informal Advisory Group on the organization and functioning of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel;
  3. To confirm the current membership of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel as set out in Appendix I to its June 1996 report, and also to confirm Mr. R. Agarwal as Co-Chair of the Refrigeration Technical Options Committee;
  4. To confirm the current list of Technical Options Committees, as set out in Appendix II to that report, whilst noting that this list may be added to or amended according to mandates set by any Meeting of the Parties;
  5. To approve terms of reference and the Code of Conduct for the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel, the technical options committees, and any temporary subsidiary bodies set up by those bodies, as contained in annex V to the report of the Eighth Meeting of the Parties;
  6. That the nomination and appointment process for the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel, as set out in the new Terms of Reference, should apply to all appointments commencing with those made at the Ninth Meeting of the Parties.
Annex V: Terms of reference of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP)