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 III/21: Budgets and financial matters

The Third Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. III/21 regarding budgets and financial matters:

  1. to request the Secretariat to submit as soon as possible to all Parties certified and audited accounts of the Montreal Protocol Trust Fund for the expenditures under the Fund for 1990 financial year;
  2. to request the Secretariat to submit to the Parties the certified and audited accounts for 1989 of the Interim Ozone Secretariat;
  3. to request the Secretariat to submit certified and audited accounts for subsequent years prior to regular meetings of the Parties;
  4. to emphasize that expenditures incurred due to recommendations by the Bureau should only be met either within the budget adopted by the Parties for that year or by other additional contributions made towards these expenditures;
  5. to emphasize that it is essential to avoid increases in already adopted budgets in the years which they relate;
  6. to urge all Parties to pay their outstanding contributions promptly and to also pay their future contributions promptly and in full in accordance with the terms of reference and the formula for contributions as attached to Annex II to the report of the Third Meeting of the Parties;
  7. to adopt the final budget for 1992 of US,278,645, and for 1993 of US,398,990, as set out in Annex I to the report of the Third Meeting of the Parties.
Annex I: Montreal Protocol Trust Fund budgets for the Secretariat revised 1991 and 1992 and 1993
Annex II: Pledged contributions by Parties towards the Montreal Protocol Trust Fund for 1992 and 1993