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 XIV/27: Requests for changes in baseline data

The Fourteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XIV/27:

  1. To note that in accordance with Decision XIII/15 of the Thirteenth Meeting of the Parties, Parties that had requested changes in reported baseline data for the base years were asked to present their requests before the Implementation Committee, which would in turn work with the Ozone Secretariat and the Executive Committee to confirm the justification for the changes and present them to the Meeting of the Parties for approval;
  2. To note that the following Parties have presented sufficient information to justify their requests for a change in their baseline consumption of the relevant substances:
    1. Bulgaria to change baseline consumption data for Annex E substances in 1991 from zero to 51.78 ODP-tonnes,
    2. Sri Lanka to change its baseline consumption data for Annex A, Group I substances from 400.4 to 445.6 ODP-tonnes,
    3. Belize to change its baseline consumption data for Annex A, Group I substances from 16 to 24.4 ODP-tonnes;
    4. Paraguay to change its baseline consumption data for Annex A, Group I substances from 157.4 to 210.6 ODP-tonnes;
  3. To accept these requests for changes in the respective baseline data.