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 X/17: Production sector

The Tenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. X/17:

Noting the recent estimation by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel of high atmospheric emissions of carbon tetrachloride (almost 41,000 tonnes in 1996), out of which about 70 per cent was contributed by use of carbon tetrachloride as a feedstock to produce CFCs,

Noting the assessment of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel that closure of CFC-manufacturing facilities in Article 5 Parties and Parties with economies in transition with accelerated introduction of alternatives could lead to a reduction in carbon tetrachloride emissions to the environment,

Noting that the Ninth Meeting of the Parties requested the Executive Committee to accelerate the formulation of guidelines for funding the phase-out in the production sector and subsequent approval of relevant projects in this sector,

  1. To request the Executive Committee to complete the task of formulation of guidelines for funding the production sector on a priority basis and expeditiously;
  2. To further request the Executive Committee to facilitate the formulation of projects for funding the CFC-production sector and their subsequent approval on a priority basis.