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 XI/16: CFC management strategies in non-Article 5 Parties

The Eleventh Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XI/16:

  1. To recall that decision IV/24 urges all Parties to take all practicable measures to prevent releases of controlled substances into the atmosphere;
  2. To recall also that decision IX/23 requests non-Article 5 Parties to consider banning the placing on the market and sale of virgin CFCs, except to meet the basic domestic needs of Article 5 Parties and other exempted uses;
  3. To note that other strategies, besides those considered in decision IX/23, could help to reduce emissions of CFCs from existing equipment;
  4. To note that, in the case of halons, decision X/7 requests Parties to develop strategies for the management of halons, including emissions reductions and ultimate elimination of their use;
  5. To request that each non-Article 5 Party develops and submits to the Ozone Secretariat, by July 2001, a strategy for the management of CFCs, including options for recovery, recycling, disposal and eventual elimination of their use. In preparing such a strategy, taking into account technological and economic feasibility, Parties should consider the following options:
    1. Recovering, and eliminating where appropriate, CFCs from existing or out-of-service products and equipment;
    2. Setting target dates for bans on the refilling and/or the use of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment functioning on CFCs;
    3. Ensuring that appropriate measures are taken for the environmentally safe and effective storage, management and final disposition of recovered CFCs;
    4. Encouraging the use of CFC substitutes and replacements acceptable from the standpoint of environment and health, taking into account their impact on the ozone layer, and any other environmental issues.