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/14: Sources of carbon tetrachloride emissions and opportunities for reductions

The Sixteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XVI/14:

Noting with appreciation the 2002 report of the Scientific Assessment Panel and the April 2002 report of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel on destruction technologies,

Recognizing the need to understand the latest technology and best practices for mitigating emissions and destruction of carbon tetrachloride,

Expressing concern that measured atmospheric concentrations of carbon tetrachloride are significant,

Recognizing the need to access further the sources of carbon tetrachloride being measured in the atmosphere,

  1. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to assess global emissions of carbon tetrachloride being emitted:
    1. From feedstock and process agent sources situated in Parties not operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5;
    2. From sources situated in Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 already addressed by existing agreements with the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund;
    3. From feedstock and process agent uses of carbon tetrachloride applied in Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 not yet addressed by agreements with the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund;
    4. From sources situated both in Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 and in those not so operating that co-produce carbon tetrachloride;
    5. From waste and incidental quantities of carbon tetrachloride that are not destroyed in a timely and appropriate manner;
  2. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to assess potential solutions for the reduction of emissions for the categories above;
  3. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to prepare a report for the consideration of the Parties at the Eighteenth Meeting of the Parties in 2006.