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 VI/9: Essential-use nominations for controlled substances other than halons for 1996 and beyond

The Sixth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. VI/9:

  1. To note with appreciation the work done by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel and its Technical Options Committees pursuant to decision IV/25 of the Fourth Meeting of the Parties;
  2. That, for 1996 and 1997 for Parties not operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol, levels of production or consumption necessary to satisfy essential uses of chlorofluorocarbons and 1,1,1-trichloroethane for: (i) metered dose inhalers (MDIs) for the treatment of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and for the delivery of leuprolide to the lungs and (ii) the Space Shuttle, are authorized as specified in Annex I to the report of the Sixth Meeting of the Parties, subject to annual review of quantities;
  3. That for 1996 and 1997, for Parties not operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol, production or consumption necessary to satisfy essential uses of ozone-depleting substances for laboratory and analytical uses are authorized as specified in Annex II to the report of the Sixth Meeting of the Parties;
  4. That Parties shall endeavour to minimize use and emissions by all practical steps. In the case of metered dose inhalers, these steps include education of physicians and patients about other treatment options and good-faith efforts to eliminate or recapture emissions from filling and testing, consistent with national laws and regulations.
Annex I: Essential use exemptions
Annex II: Conditions applied to exemption for laboratory and analytical uses