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 IV/17B: Application to Colombia of paragraph 8 of Article 4 of the amended Montreal Protocol

The Fourth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. IV/17B that the exceptions provided for in paragraph 8 of Article 4 of the 1990 London Amendment to the Montreal Protocol should apply to Colombia, a country not yet Party to the Protocol, from 1 January 1993 until the date on which the Protocol and its Amendment enter into force for Colombia, bearing in mind that Colombia is in full compliance with Article 2, Articles 2A to E, and Article 4 of the Protocol and the amended Protocol and has submitted data to that effect to this Meeting and, previously, to the Ozone Secretariat, as specified in Article 7 of the amended Protocol.