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/21: Non-compliance with the Montreal Protocol by Azerbaijan

The Sixteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XVI/21:

  1. To recall that, under decision X/20, Azerbaijan committed itself, among other things, to a complete phase-out of Annex A, group I, substances (CFCs), and to a ban on imports of Annex A, group II, substances (halons), by 1 January 2001, in order to ensure its return to compliance with its obligations under Articles 2A and 2B of the Montreal Protocol;
  2. To note with appreciation that Azerbaijan prohibited the import of halons in 1999, in accordance with decision X/20;
  3. To note with great concern, however, that data submitted for 2001, 2002 and 2003 show consumption of CFCs that places Azerbaijan in non-compliance with its obligations under Article 2A of the Montreal Protocol;
  4. To note also that Azerbaijan has not fulfilled its undertaking, contained in decision XV/28, to ban the consumption of CFCs from January 2003;
  5. To note Azerbaijan’s undertaking that complete phase-out of CFCs would be achieved by 1 January 2005 and to urge Azerbaijan to confirm its introduction of a ban on the import of CFCs, to support that undertaking;
  6. To urge Azerbaijan to report its 2004 consumption data to the Secretariat as soon as they become available, and to request the Implementation Committee to review the situation of Azerbaijan at its thirty-fourth meeting.