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/23: Continuing availability of CFCs

The Ninth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. IX/23:

  1. To note that despite the phase-out of the production and consumption of CFCs by 1 January 1996 in Parties not operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5, CFCs continue to remain available in fairly significant quantities in a number of such Parties, thereby preventing the timely elimination of the use and emissions of CFCs;
  2. To note that information suggests that illegal trade in CFCs is contributing to their continued availability, and therefore to increased and unnecessary damage to the ozone layer;
  3. To note that apart from agreed exempted uses, the continued supply of new CFCs is no longer necessary, as technically and economically feasible alternatives are widely available;
  4. To request non-Article 5 Parties to consider banning the placing on the market and sale of virgin CFCs, except to meet the basic domestic needs of Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 and other exempted uses. Parties may also consider extending this ban to include other substances listed in Annex A and B to the Montreal Protocol and recovered, recycled and reclaimed substances, provided that adequate steps are taken to ensure their disposal;
  5. To request the Parties concerned to report to the Secretariat in time for the Eleventh Meeting of the Parties on action taken under this decision.