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.

Annex I: Essential use exemptions for 2002-2004 authorized by the Thirteenth Meeting of the Parties

(in metric tonnes)

  2002 2003
  CFCs CFC-113 CFCs CFC-113
Australia (1) - - - -
European Community - - 2,539 40
Hungary 1.50 0.25 1.50 0.25
Japan 45 - - -
Poland - 0.85 - -
Russian Federation 396 - 391 -
Ukraine (2) 144 - 120 -
United States of America (3) 550 - 3,270 -
Total 1,136.5 1.10 6,321.5 40.25
           

Notes:

1. Australia reduced its essential-use nominations for CFCs in 2001 and 2002 from 74.95 to 11 metric tonnes each year.

2. The total quantities requested by Ukraine were authorized with the proviso that they should be used only for the production of MDIs for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Ukraine should provide additional information before 31 January 2002 on its 2003 nominations for consideration by the 14th Meeting of the Parties.

3. The United States of America nominated a supplemental quantity of 550 metric tonnes for 2002 in addition to the 2,900 metric tonnes previously authorized by the Parties in 2000.