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/6: Accounting framework

The Sixteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XVI/6:

Noting with appreciation the work undertaken by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel, pursuant to decision Ex.I/4, paragraph 9 (f), in developing an accounting framework,

Mindful that after the end of 2005 each Party which has been granted a critical-use exemption is requested to submit information on the quantities of methyl bromide produced, imported and exported by Parties under the terms of the critical-use exemptions,

Aware that such information must be submitted with a Party’s nomination using the accounting framework format,

  1. To adopt the accounting framework, as set out in annex II to the report of the Sixteenth Meeting of the Parties;
  2. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to include the accounting framework in the next version of the Handbook on Critical Use Nominations for Methyl Bromide.
Annex II: Reporting accounting framework for critical uses of methyl bromide