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/54: Categories of assessment to be used by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel when assessing critical uses of methyl bromide

The Fifteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XV/54:

Recognizing that Parties had difficulty in taking a decision on the appropriate amount of methyl bromide to use for critical uses,

Mindful that exemptions must comply fully with decision IX/6 and are intended to be limited, temporary derogations from the phase-out of methyl bromide,

  1. To invite Parties with nominations that are currently categorized as “noted” in the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel 2003 supplementary report to submit additional information in support of their nominations, using the comments by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel/Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee in the October 2003 supplementary report as a guide to the additional information required. The Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee co-chairs will provide additional guidance to assist Parties concerning the information required if so requested. Parties are requested to submit additional information to the Ozone Secretariat by 31 January 2004;
  2. To request the Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee to convene a special meeting, which should be held in sufficient time to allow a report by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to be released to the Parties no later than 14 February 2004;
  3. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to evaluate the critical-use nominations for methyl bromide that are currently categorized as “noted” and recategorize them as “recommended”, “not recommended” or “unable to assess”.