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.

Annex IX: Declaration on hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)

Declaration by Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malawi, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Uruguay

The above Parties present at the Seventh Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol,

Concerned about the continuing depletion of the ozone layer of both the northern and southern hemispheres,

Being aware that further significant reductions in the emissions of hydrochlorofluorocarbons would have a beneficial effect on the ozone layer, especially in the coming ten years where chlorine concentrations in the atmosphere will reach a critical maximum,

Being also aware that more environmentally sound alternative substances and technologies are commercially available for almost any applications and are being increasingly used,

1. Emphasize the fact that a complete substitution of chlorofluorocarbons need not rely on the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons;

2. Stress the need to strengthen further the control measures decided at the Seventh Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol in countries operating under Articles 2 and 5;

3. Will take all appropriate measures to limit the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons as soon as possible.

Vienna

7 December 1995