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 Ex.I/2: Accelerated phase-out of methyl bromide by Article 5 Parties

The First Extraordinary Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. Ex.I/2:

Reaffirming the commitment of all the Parties to the complete phase-out of methyl bromide,

Recognizing that some Article 5 Parties have made commitments to an accelerated phase-out of controlled uses of methyl bromide and have concluded agreements with the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund towards that end,

Acknowledging that some Article 5 Parties which are implementing early phase-out of methyl bromide on a voluntary basis and under such agreements are facing difficulties in fully meeting all the reduction steps in accordance with the timelines specified in such agreements as a result of specific circumstances not envisaged at the time of their adoption and ensuing review,

  1. To request the Executive Committee to adopt a flexible approach when determining an appropriate course of action to deal with instances where a country has not met a reduction step specified in its methyl bromide accelerated phase-out agreement as a result of the specified circumstance not envisaged;
  2. To invite the Executive Committee to consider, upon request by a Party, a prolongation of the final reduction step, but not beyond 2015, and to consider also the timing of related funding in the Party’s existing agreement for the accelerated phase-out of methyl bromide in cases where the Party concerned has demonstrated that there are difficulties in implementing alternatives originally considered to be technically and economically feasible alternatives;
  3. To call upon the Executive Committee to adopt criteria for the prolongation of accelerated phase-out agreements when so requested by interested Parties. In developing such criteria, the Executive Committee may request the advice of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel and Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee and consider any available information relating to the phase-out project of the Party concerned.