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 I/13: Assistance to developing countries

The First Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. I/13 with regard to assistance to developing countries:

  1. to recognize the urgent need to establish international financial and other mechanisms to implement Article 5, paragraphs 2 and 3, in conjunction with Articles 9 and 10 of the Montreal Protocol and to enable developing countries to meet the requirements of the present and a future strengthened Protocol, thereby addressing the ozone depletion and related problems.
  2. to establish an open-ended working group of the Contracting Parties to develop modalities for such mechanisms, including adequate international funding mechanisms which do not exclude the possibility of an international Fund and to report the results of their deliberations to the Conference of the Parties at its Second Meeting in 1990.