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/4: Provision of financial support and technology transfer

The Seventh Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. VII/4:

  1. To emphasize the importance of the effective implementation of financial cooperation, including provision of adequate funding under Article 10 and technology transfer under Article 10 A of the Montreal Protocol, in assisting Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 in complying with the existing control measures under the Protocol;
  2. To stress that the adoption of any new control measures by the Seventh Meeting of the Parties for Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 will require additional funding which will need to be reflected in the replenishment of the Multilateral Fund in 1996 and beyond and in the implementation of technology transfer;
  3. To underline that the implementation of control measures by Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 will, as provided in Article 5, paragraph 5, depend upon the effective implementation of the financial cooperation as provided by Article 10 and the transfer of technology as provided by Article 10A;
  4. To urge Parties when taking decisions on the replenishment of the Multilateral Fund in 1996 and beyond, to allocate the necessary funds in order to ensure that countries operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 can comply with their agreed control measure commitments.