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/12: Use of methyl bromide for the treatment of high-moisture dates

The Fifteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XV/12:

Recognizing that in its 2002 report, the Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee has explicitly acknowledged that there is currently no alternative to the use of methyl bromide for high-moisture dates that is in use in any country in the world,

Recognizing also that Parties which consume over 80 per cent of their methyl bromide for high-moisture dates cannot meet the Protocol’s methyl bromide control schedule without production losses for that important cash crop for their countries,

Recognizing further the need for further work to be undertaken to demonstrate alternatives to methyl bromide for high moisture dates,

  1. That the Implementation Committee and Meeting of the Parties should defer the consideration of the compliance status of countries that use over 80 per cent of their consumption of methyl bromide on high-moisture dates until two years after the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel formally finds that there are alternatives to methyl bromide that are available for high-moisture dates;
  2. That the above provision shall apply so long as the relevant Party does not increase consumption of methyl bromide on products other than high-moisture dates beyond 2002 levels, and the Party has noted its commitment to minimizing the use of methyl bromide for dates to the extent necessary to ensure effective control of pests;
  3. To request the Executive Committee to consider appropriate demonstration projects for alternatives on high-moisture dates, and to ensure that the results of those projects are shared with the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel.