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 VII/23: Financial planning in the Multilateral Fund

The Seventh Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. VII/23:

  1. To note with appreciation the report and the outline and framework for a three-year rolling business plan prepared by the Executive Committee;
  2. To request the Executive Committee to provide to the Parties at their Eighth Meeting a full three-year rolling business plan based on the outline and framework approved by the Parties at their Seventh Meeting;
  3. To note that the three-year rolling business plan must reflect the purpose of the Multilateral Fund, which is to enable Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 to meet their Protocol obligations. The plan would be based on the level of replenishment decided by the Parties and should be used as a basis for projecting beyond the period of the current replenishment. The plan should be based on, inter alia, the intersectoral priorities and strategies contained in the country programmes and should be consistent with agreed commitments under the Montreal Protocol.