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/29: Compliance with the Montreal Protocol by Latvia

The Ninth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. IX/29:

  1. To note the timetable for the ratification of the London Amendment of the Montreal Protocol provided by Latvia and urge Latvia to ratify the London Amendment by October 1997 as indicated in their timetable;
  2. To note that, according to the information contained in Latvia’s country programme for the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances, Latvia is a situation of non-compliance with the Montreal Protocol in 1997 and there is a possibility of non-compliance with the Montreal Protocol in 1998, so that the Implementation Committee might have to revert to that question that year;
  3. To recommend that, in light of the country’s commitment reflected in the country programme, and related official communications of Latvia to the Parties in line with decision VIII/22, international assistance, particularly by GEF, should be considered favourably in order to provide funding to Latvia for projects to implement the country programme for phasing out ozone-depleting substances in the country;
  4. To keep under review the situation with regard to ODS phase-out in Latvia.