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/3: Implementation Committee

The Third Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. III/3:

  1. To note the progress made by the Implementation Committee and to urge strongly that the Parties that have not yet done so should submit without delay the data required by the Montreal Protocol;
  2. That those States, not forming part of a regional economic integration organization, which had reported data jointly in the past should submit separate data in the future, and do so, if appropriate, in the context of Decision III/7 (a);
  3. To note that the period for data reporting is 1 January to 31 December (Article 7, paragraph 2) and that the control period is 1 July to 30 June (Article 2, paragraph 1) and to request the Parties to report the data for both periods;
  4. To endorse the recommendation on the categorization of the developing countries under paragraph 1 of Article 5:

    "In the light of the figures contained in the report on data (UNEP/OzL.Pro/WG.2/1/3 and Add.1), the recommendation contained in paragraph 14 (e) of the report of the Ad hoc Group of Experts on the Reporting of Data (UNEP/OzL.Pro/WG.2/1/4), the Committee determined that the following developing countries should be temporarily categorized as not operating under Article 5, paragraph 1:  Bahrain, Malta, Singapore and United Arab Emirates.  All other developing countries were considered to be operating under Article 5, paragraph 1.";

  5. To confirm the positions of Hungary, Japan, Norway, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uganda as members of the Implementation Committee for one further year, and to select Cameroon, Chile, Thailand, USA and USSR for a two year period;