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/4: Review of the working procedures and terms of reference of the Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee

The Sixteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XVI/4:

Reaffirming that each Party should aim significantly and progressively to decrease its production and consumption of methyl bromide for critical uses with the intention of completely phasing out methyl bromide as soon as technically and economically feasible alternatives are available for critical uses in the circumstances of the nominations according to decision IX/6,

To adopt the elements related to procedures and terms of reference of the Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee related to the evaluation of nominations for critical uses of methyl bromide as set out in annex I to the report of the Sixteenth Meeting of the Parties .

Annex I: Review of the working procedures and terms of reference of the Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee