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 V/19: Control measures to be applicable to Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol with respect to the controlled substances in Group I of Annex C, Group II of Annex C, and Annex E

The Fifth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. V/19:

  1. To request the Scientific Assessment Panel and the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel in collaboration with the Secretariat and the Executive Committee to assess the following, in accordance with Article 6 and taking into account the report required by decision V/11 of the Protocol and to submit their combined report, through the Secretariat, by 30 November 1994 at the latest, to the Seventh Meeting of the Parties:
    1. What base year, initial levels, control schedules and phase-out date for consumption of controlled substances in Group I of Annex C are feasible for application to Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol;
    2. What base year, initial levels and control schedules for consumption and production of the controlled substances in Group II of Annex C are feasible for application to Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol;
    3. What base year, initial levels and control schedules for consumption and production of the controlled substances in Annex E are feasible for application to Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol;
  2. To request the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol to consider the combined report of the two Assessment Panels and submit its recommendation to the Seventh Meeting of the Parties, in 1995.