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/19: Assessment of new substances

The Eleventh Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XI/19:

  1. To recall that decision X/8 requested Parties that, should new substances be developed and marketed which, following application of decision IX/24, are agreed by the Parties to pose a significant threat to the ozone layer, appropriate steps are taken under the Montreal Protocol to ensure their control and phase-out;
  2. To note that many new chemicals are brought into the market by the chemical industry so that criteria for assessing the potential ODP of these chemicals will be useful;
  3. To request the Scientific Assessment Panel and the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel:
    1. To develop criteria to assess the potential ODP of new chemicals;
    2. To develop a guidance paper on mechanisms to facilitate public-private sector cooperation in the evaluation of the potential ODP of new chemicals in a manner that satisfies the criteria to be set by the Panels;
  4. To request the Panels to report back to the Thirteenth Meeting of the Parties.