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/6: Essential-use nominations for non-Article 5 Parties for controlled substances for 1999 and 2000

The Tenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. X/6:

  1. To note with appreciation the excellent work done by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel and its technical options committees;
  2. That the levels of production and consumption necessary to satisfy essential uses of CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113 and CFC-114, for metered-dose inhalers for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, CFC-113 for use in the coating of cardiovascular surgical material and halon-2402 for fire protection are authorized as specified in annex I to the report of the Tenth Meeting of the Parties, subject to the conditions established by the Meeting of the Parties in paragraph 2 of its decision VII/28;
  3. To agree that the remaining quantity of methyl chloroform authorized for the United States at previous meetings of the Parties be made available for use in manufacturing solid rocket motors until such time as the 1999-2001 quantity of 176.4 tonnes (17.6 ODP-weighted tonnes) allowance is depleted, or until such time as safe alternatives are implemented for remaining essential uses;
  4. To approve the authorization by the Secretariat in consultation with the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel of the emergency uses of 1.7 tonnes of CFC-113 for 1997 and 1998 for torpedo maintenance submitted as an essential-use nomination by Poland;
  5. That the quantities approved under paragraph 2 above and all future approvals are for total CFC volumes with flexibility between CFCs within each group.
Annex I: Essential use exemptions for 1999 and 2000