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/7: Trade in methyl bromide

The Seventh Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. VII/7:

  1. To recall paragraph 10 of Article 4 of the Protocol, which provides, inter alia, that Parties shall consider by 1 January 1996 whether to amend the Protocol in order to extend the measures in Article 4 to trade in methyl bromide with States not party to the Protocol;
  2. Recognizing the importance of Article 4 trade controls in promoting the environmental objectives of the Protocol, to consider at the Eighth Meeting of the Parties whether to amend the Protocol to control trade in the controlled substance in Annex E, and in products containing the controlled substance in Annex E, with States not party to the Protocol;
  3. To this end, to request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to clarify, before the Eighth Meeting of the Parties, what products, if any, should be considered products containing the controlled substance in Annex E.