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/38: Need to ensure equitable geographical representation in the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund

The Sixteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XVI/38:

Recognizing the necessity to ensure equal geographical representation in the Executive Committee,

Noting that, for historical reasons, no seat has been allocated in the Executive Committee for the countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol,

  1. To amend paragraph 2 of the terms of reference of the Executive Committee, as modified by the Ninth Meeting of the Parties in decision IX/16, to read:

"2. The Executive Committee shall consist of seven Parties from the group of Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol and seven Parties from the group of Parties not so operating. Each group shall select its Executive Committee members. Seven seats allocated to the group of Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 shall be allocated as follows: two seats to Parties of the African region, two seats to Parties of the region of Asia and the Pacific, two seats to Parties of the region of Latin America and the Caribbean, and one rotating seat among the regions referred, including the region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The members of the Executive Committee shall be endorsed by the Meeting of the Parties";

       2. That the issue of seats for Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol and Parties not so operating shall be added to the agenda of the twenty-fifth meeting of the Open-ended Working Group.