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/31: Requests for changes in baseline data

The Sixteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XVI/31:

  1. To note that, in accordance with decision XIII/15 of the Thirteenth Meeting of the Parties, Parties that had requested changes in reported baseline data for the base years were asked to submit their requests to the Implementation Committee, which would in turn work with the Ozone Secretariat and the Executive Committee to confirm the justification for the changes and present them to the Meeting of the Parties for approval;
  2. To note further that decision XV/19 of the Fifteenth Meeting of the Parties set out the methodology for the submission of these requests;
  3. To note that the following Parties have presented sufficient information, in accordance with decisions XIII/15 and XV/19, to justify their requests for a change in their baseline consumption of the relevant substances:
    1. Lebanon, to change its baseline consumption data for the controlled substance in Annex E (methyl bromide) from 152.4 to 236.4 ODP tonnes;
    2. Philippines, to change its baseline consumption data for the controlled substance in Annex E (methyl bromide) from 8.0 to 10.3 ODP tonnes;
    3. Thailand, to change its baseline consumption data for the controlled substance in Annex E (methyl bromide) from 164.9 to 183.0 ODP tonnes;
    4. Yemen, to change its baseline consumption data for Annex A, group I, substances (CFCs) from 349.1 to 1,796.1 ODP tonnes; for Annex A, group II, substances (halons) from 2.8 to 140.0 ODP tonnes; and for the controlled substance in Annex E (methyl bromide) from 1.1 to 54.5 ODP tonnes;
  4. To accept these requests for changes in the respective baseline data;
  5. To note that these changes in baseline data place the Parties in compliance with their respective control measures for 2003.