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/27: Application of South Africa for developing country status under the Montreal Protocol

The Ninth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. IX/27:

Noting that South Africa is classified as a developing country by the United Nations Development Programme and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development,

Noting that South Africa is regarded as a developing country in all other international environmental agreements and protocols to which it is a Party and where this distinction is made,

Noting that South Africa’s annual calculated level of consumption of controlled substances in Annex A of the Montreal Protocol was less than 0.3 kilograms per capita at the time of its accession to the Montreal Protocol,

Noting that South Africa has thus far totally complied with the requirements of the existing Amendments to the Montreal Protocol and undertakes not to revert to producing or consuming substances phased out under these Amendments, and

Noting that South Africa has undertaken not to request financial assistance from the Multilateral Fund for fulfilling commitments undertaken by developed countries prior to the Ninth Meeting of the Parties,

To accept the classification of South Africa as a developing country for the purposes of the Montreal Protocol.