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/24: 1997-1999 replenishment of the Multilateral Fund

The Seventh Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. VII/24 to request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to prepare a report for submission to the Eighth Meeting of the Parties, and present it through the Thirteenth Meeting of the Open-ended Working Group, to enable the Parties to take a decision on the appropriate level of the 1997-1999 replenishment, taking into account amongst other things:

  1. All control measures agreed by the Parties to the Montreal Protocol;
  2. The Report on the Review under Paragraph 8 of Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol;
  3. Historical experience, including limitations and successes, of the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances achieved with resources already allocated, as well as the performance of the Multilateral Fund and its Implementing Agencies;
  4. Special circumstances of low-volume-ODS-consuming countries and small and medium-size enterprises;
  5. Projections included in the 1996 business plan for the Multilateral Fund;
  6. Calculating annual requirements with and without assuming a constant, flat rate of demand (for example, increased demand in some years);
  7. The November 1995 report of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel on the economic and financial implications of possible methyl bromide and hydrochlorofluorocarbon control scenarios for Parties operating under Article 5;
  8. Relevant decisions of the Seventh Meeting of Parties;
  9. Approved country programmes;

In undertaking this task, the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel should consult with the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund and other relevant sources of information.