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/21: Decommissioning of non-essential halon systems in non-Article 5 Parties

The Ninth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. IX/21:

Noting that in its 1994 report, the Scientific Assessment Panel identified decommissioning and destruction of halon as the second most environmentally beneficial potential approach to further lowering stratospheric chlorine and bromine abundances but that the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel concluded that such an approach, while technically feasible, was not appropriate at that time,

Noting that the Seventh Meeting of the Parties took action in relation to methyl bromide controls, which was the approach identified by the Scientific Assessment Panel as the most environmentally beneficial approach at that time,

Noting also that Parties are considering further controls on methyl bromide,

Recognizing that, since 1994, some Parties have taken action to decommission and commence destruction of non-essential halon,

Recognizing that depletion of the ozone layer continues to be a significant environmental concern and that atmospheric concentrations of halons continue to increase,

Recognizing that the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel is currently conducting an assessment of the availability of halons for critical uses under the terms of decision VIII/17,

  1. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to examine the feasibility of early decommissioning in non-Article 5 Parties of all non-essential halon systems, and the subsequent destruction or redeployment of halon stocks not required for those critical uses that have no identified substitutes or alternatives, bearing in mind the need of Article 5 Parties for halon. In undertaking such an examination, TEAP should also examine the efficacy of halon alternatives, experience with potential measures to ensure safety and to minimize any emissions of halons during decommissioning, and experience with the cost and efficiency of storage prior to destruction and with halon destruction activities undertaken to date;
  2. To request TEAP to report on this matter to the Tenth Meeting of the Parties.