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 II/15: Extension of the mandate of the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties

The Second Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. II/15 to continue the work of the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties and to extend its mandate to consider, if necessary and in particular, the following topics:

  1. Further elaboration of any remaining details of the various components of the Financial Mechanism;
  2. Identification of the most appropriate modalities for the transfer of technologies designed for the protection of the ozone layer;
  3. Co-operation with Parties that are developing countries for the implementation of the Protocol; and
  4. Problems arising under the trade provisions of the Protocol, in respect of both trade between Parties and trade with non-Parties including issues related to free-trade zones; and to make recommendations to the Third Meeting of the Parties.