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 X: Declaration on methyl bromide

Declaration by Australia, Botswana, Canada, Iceland, Mauritius, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Venezuela

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

Commend the international community for taking constructive steps in strengthening controls on methyl bromide,

Being aware that faster movement towards phasing out methyl bromide would reduce the human and environmental impacts of ozone depletion,

Being aware that some Parties are able to adopt alternatives at an earlier stage, and that several Parties have adopted domestic policies to largely phase out methyl bromide in the next few years,

Declare their firm determination, at the national level:

(a) To encourage the widespread adoption of alternatives;

(b) To take all appropriate measures to limit the consumption of methyl bromide to those applications that are strictly necessary, and to phase out the consumption of methyl bromide as soon as possible.

Vienna

7 December 1995