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 XIII/11: Procedures for applying for a critical-use exemption for methyl bromide

The Thirteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XIII/11:

Noting that Parties not operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 must cease production and consumption of methyl bromide for other than quarantine and pre-shipment applications from 1 January 2005, except for consumption and production that meet the levels agreed by the Parties for critical uses,

Noting the importance of providing the Parties not operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 with early guidance on arrangements for implementing decision IX/6, which provides criteria and procedures for assessing a critical methyl bromide use,

Noting the need for the Parties to have adequate guidance to enable them to submit nominations for critical-use exemptions for consideration at the 15th Meeting of the Parties in 2003,

  1. To note with appreciation the work of the Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee (MBTOC) in presenting the information required in order adequately to assess nominations submitted in pursuance of decision IX/6 for critical-use exemptions and the ongoing work of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel in preparing a consolidated list of alternatives to methyl bromide that had been included in past TEAP and MBTOC reports;
  2. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to prepare a handbook on critical-use nomination procedures which provides this information, and the schedule for submission which reflects that currently employed in the essential-use nomination procedure;
  3. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to finalize the consolidated list of alternatives to methyl bromide referred to in paragraph 1 and post it on its Website as soon as possible;
  4. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to finalize the “Handbook on Critical Use Nominations for Methyl Bromide” by January 2002, and the Secretariat to post this Handbook on its Website as soon as possible;
  5. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to engage suitably qualified agricultural economists to assist it in reviewing critical-use nominations.