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 XV/11: Plan of action to modify regulatory requirements that mandate the use of halons on new airframes

The Fifteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XV/11:

Acknowledging that potential alternatives to the use of halons exist to provide the necessary fire protection for both engine nacelles and cargo bays of commercial aircraft,

Concerned to note that new airframes are still being designed and certified with halons as the required fire extinguishant owing to regulatory requirements,

Acknowledging that airframe certification agencies and airframe manufacturers will wish to participate in a joint effort to allow the certification of alternatives to halon on new airframes,

To authorize representatives of the Ozone Secretariat and the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to engage in discussions with the relevant International Civil Aviation Organization bodies in the development of a timely plan of action to enable consideration of the possibility that modifying the regulatory requirements that mandate the use of halons on new airframes may be feasible without compromising the health and safety of airline passengers, and to report thereon to the sixteenth Meeting of the Parties.