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 IX/19: Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs)

The Ninth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. IX/19:

  1. To note with appreciation the interim report of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) pursuant to decision VIII/12;
  2. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to continue its work and submit the final report to the Tenth Meeting of the Parties, through the Open-ended Working Group, taking into account the approach indicated in paragraph 5 of decision VIII/12 and the comments made during the fifteenth and sixteenth meetings of the Open-ended Working Group and the Ninth Meeting of the Parties;
  3. To note the expectation of TEAP and its relevant Technical Options Committee that it remains possible that the major part of the MDI transition may occur in non-Article 5 countries by the year 2000 and there will be minimal need for CFCs for metered-dose inhalers by 2005, however, at this point in time there are still many variables and an exact time-scale is not possible to predict with certainty;
  4. To note the concerns of some non-Article 5 Parties that they may not be able to convert as soon as they would like unless their independent MDI manufacturers are able to license non-CFC technologies;
  5. To require non-Article 5 Parties submitting essential-use nominations for CFCs for MDIs for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to present to the Ozone Secretariat an initial national or regional transition strategy by 31 January 1999 for circulation to all Parties. Where possible, non-Article 5 Parties are encouraged to develop and submit to the Secretariat an initial transition strategy by 31 January 1998. In preparing a transition strategy, non-Article 5 Parties should take into consideration the availability and price of treatments for asthma and COPD in countries currently importing CFC MDIs.