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/16: Non-compliance with data reporting requirements under Article 7, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Montreal Protocol

The Fifteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XV/16:

  1. To recall decision XIV/15 of the Fourteenth Meeting of the Parties, on non-compliance with data reporting requirements for the purpose of reporting data for base years;
  2. To note with appreciation that several Parties have submitted data for their base years following the adoption of decision XIV/15;
  3. To note, however, that the following Parties operating under Article 5, paragraph 1, have still not reported data for one or more of the base years (1986, 1989 or 1991) for one or more groups of controlled substances, as required by Article 7, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Montreal Protocol: Cape Verde, China, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mali, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Nigeria, So Tom and Prncipe, Somalia and Suriname;
  4. To note further that Article 7, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Protocol provide for Parties to submit best possible estimates of the data referred to in those provisions where actual data are not available;
  5. To request the relevant implementing agencies of the Multilateral Fund to make available to the Secretariat any data they have obtained which may be relevant;
  6. To request the Secretariat to communicate with the Parties referred to in paragraph 3 above and to offer assistance in reporting such estimates in accordance with Article 7, paragraphs 1 and 2.