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 XVII/21: Non-compliance with data-reporting requirements under Articles 5 and 7 of the Montreal Protocol by Parties recently ratifying the Montreal Protocol

The Seventeenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XVII/21:

  1. To note that Eritrea, temporarily classified as operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol, has not reported any consumption or production data to the Secretariat;
  2. To note that that situation places that Party in non-compliance with its data-reporting obligations under the Montreal Protocol until such time as the Secretariat receives the outstanding data;
  3. To acknowledge that Eritrea has only recently ratified the Montreal Protocol and has received approval for data collection assistance from the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol through the latter’s implementing agencies;
  4. To note with appreciation Eritrea’s commitment to submit its outstanding data no later than the first quarter of 2006;
  5. To urge Eritrea to work together with the United Nations Environment Programme under the Compliance Assistance Programme and with other implementing agencies of the Multilateral Fund to report data as quickly as possible to the Secretariat and to request the Implementation Committee to review the situation of that Party with respect to data-reporting at its next meeting.