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 II: Reporting accounting framework for critical uses of methyl bromide

Party: ____________________

A B C D E

(C + D)

 F

(B - E)

 G H

(E + G)

 I J K L

(H – I – J - K)
Year of critical use Quantity exempted for year of critical use1 Quantity acquired by production for critical use Quantity acquired for critical use by import & countr(y)(ies) of Manufacture Total quantity acquired for critical use Quantity authorized but not acquired Amount on hand at start of year2 Amount available for use in current year Amount used for critical use Amount exported Amount destroyed Amount on hand at end of year3
Amount Country(s)
                         

1 Exempted by the Parties to the Montreal Protocol. Note that the critical use for a particular year may be the sum of quantities authorized by decision in more than one year.

2 Where possible, national Governments should include quantities on hand as of 1 January 2005 and for each year thereafter. National Governments that are not able to estimate quantities on hand as of 1 January 2005 can track the subsequent inventory of methyl bromide produced for critical uses (column L).

3 Carried forward as “Amount on hand at start of year” for next year.