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 XIX/8: Additional work on hydrochlorofluorocarbons

Noting that by decision XIX/6 the Meeting of the Parties adopted an adjustment to the Montreal Protocol to accelerate the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and noting the impact of those adjustments on efforts towards the recovery of the ozone layer,

Expressing appreciation for the work done by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel and its technical options committees in analyzing the global status of HCFC consumption, banks, emissions and technologies and noting the need for further information on alternative technology acceptance and promotion among Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol (Article 5 Parties),

Welcoming the European Commission’s intention to organize and hold a workshop in 2008 on alternatives to HCFCs and their availability in Article 5 Parties,

Taking into consideration the difficulties faced by some Article 5 Parties facing specific climatic conditions and other unique operating conditions, such as those as in mines that are not open pit mines, in the air-conditioning and refrigeration sectors,

  1. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to conduct a scoping study addressing the prospects for the promotion and acceptance of alternatives to HCFCs in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sectors in Article 5 Parties, with specific reference to specific climatic conditions and unique operating conditions, such as those as in mines that are not open pit mines, in some Article 5 Parties;
  2. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to provide a summary of the outcome of the study referred to in the preceding paragraph in its 2008 progress report with a view to identifying areas requiring more detailed study of the alternatives available and their applicability;