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 XVI/13: Assessment of the portion of the refrigeration service sector made up by chillers and identification of incentives and impediments to the transition to non-CFC equipment

The Sixteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XVI/13:

Noting with appreciation the report of the chiller task force on the collection of data and assessment of the portion of the refrigeration service sector made up by chillers, as decided in decision XIV/9,

Noting that the chiller sector has been and will be a long-term challenge for both developed and developing countries owing to its distinct character, as has been brought out by the report of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel,

Recognizing the need to develop a management plan for CFC-based chillers in the Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5, to facilitate CFC phase-out in chillers,

Recognizing also the urgent need for effective replacement programmes to phase out consumption of CFCs,

Recognizing further the need for economic incentives for assisting enterprises in these countries to speed up the replacement programme,

Recognizing the impediments and uncertainties brought out by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel in its report related to the lack of information for decision makers and lack of policies and regulatory measures needed to be set up for CFC phase-out in the chiller sector,

To request the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund to consider:

  1. Funding of additional demonstration projects to help demonstrate the value of replacement of CFC-based chillers, pursuant to relevant decisions of the Executive Committee;
  2. Funding actions to increase awareness of users in countries operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the impending phase-out and options that may be available for dealing with their chillers and to assist Governments and decision makers;
  3. Requesting those countries preparing or implementing refrigerant management plans to consider developing measures for the effective use of the ozone-depleting substances recovered from the chillers to meet servicing needs in the sector.