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/18: Special Report on Aviation and the Global Atmosphere

The Eleventh Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XI/18:

  1. To note with appreciation the work done by the Scientific Assessment Panel and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in preparing the Special Report on Aviation and the Global Atmosphere;
  2. To express its appreciation to the Scientific Assessment Panel for its collaboration with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in preparing the above-mentioned report;
  3. To note with appreciation the message of the President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization on the willingness of ICAO to continue the process of working together on the issues with the Montreal Protocol;
  4. To recommend that the Scientific Assessment Panel should continue its collaboration with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and keep the Parties to the Montreal Protocol informed on the potential impacts of the aircraft emissions on stratospheric ozone depletion and climate change.