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/13: Membership of the Implementation Committee

The Fifteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XV/13:

  1. To note with appreciation the work done by the Implementation Committee in 2003;
  2. To confirm the positions of Honduras, Italy, Lithuania, the Maldives and Tunisia for a further one year and select Australia, Belize, Ethiopia, Jordan and the Russian Federation as members of the Committee for a two-year period from 1 January 2004;
  3. To note the selection of Tunisia to serve as President and of Italy to serve as Vice-President and Rapporteur of the Implementation Committee for one year with effect from 1 January 2004.