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/3: Application to Belgium, Poland and Portugal of paragraph 8 of Article 4 of the Montreal Protocol with respect to the Beijing Amendment to the Montreal Protocol

The Seventeenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XVII/3:

Acknowledging that Belgium, Poland and Portugal have notified the Secretariat, pursuant to decision XV/3, that their respective ratification processes are under way and that they will do all that is possible to complete those procedures as expeditiously as possible,

Expressing regret that despite their best efforts, Belgium, Poland and Portugal will not be able to ratify the Beijing Amendment before the expiry of decision XV/3 on the last day of the Seventeenth Meeting of the Parties,

  1. That on the basis of the data submitted under Article 7 of the Protocol and the review conducted by the Implementation Committee, Belgium, Poland and Portugal are in full compliance with Articles 2, 2A to 2I and 4 of the Montreal Protocol, including its Beijing Amendment;
  2. That the exceptions provided for in paragraph 8 of Article 4 of the Montreal Protocol shall apply to Belgium, Poland and Portugal from 17 December 2005;
  3. That the determination in paragraph 1 of the present decision and the exceptions referred to in paragraph 2 of the present decision shall expire at the end of the Eighteenth Meeting of the Parties.