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/33: Request by Brunei Darussalam for reclassification as a Party operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5

The Ninth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. IX/33:

  1. To recall decision VI/5, subparagraph (c), of the Sixth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol under which a Party is allowed to correct the data submitted by it in the interest of accuracy for a given year but no change of classification is permitted for that year pertaining to which the data has been corrected;
  2. To note the revised data on consumption of ozone-depleting substances reported by Brunei Darussalam for 1994 which show the per capita consumption for that year to be below the allowable limit to operate under paragraph 1 of Article 5;
  3. To note further the data on consumption of ozone-depleting substances reported by Brunei Darussalam for 1995 which show the per capita consumption for that year to be below the allowable limit to operate under paragraph 1 of Article 5;
  4. To reclassify Brunei Darussalam as a Party operating under paragraph 1 of the Article 5 effective 1 January 1995 on the basis of its data submitted for 1995.