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/16: Potential non-compliance with the freeze on CFC consumption in Article 5 Parties in the control period 1999-2000

The Thirteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XIII/16:

  1. To note that, in accordance with decision X/29 of the 10th Meeting of the Parties, the Implementation Committee requested the Secretariat to write to the following Article 5 Parties, Bangladesh, Chad, Comoros, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Kenya, Mongolia, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Samoa and Solomon Islands, that had reported data on CFC consumption for either the year 1999 and/or 2000 that was above their individual baselines;
  2. That since none of the above Parties has responded to the request from the Secretariat for data for the control period from 1 July 1999 to 30 June 2000, all are presumed to be in non-compliance with the control measures under the Protocol in the absence of further clarification;
  3. To closely monitor the progress of these Parties with regard to the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances. To the degree that these Parties are working towards and meeting the specific Protocol control measures, they should continue to be treated in the same manner as Parties in good standing. In this regard, these Parties should continue to receive international assistance to enable them to meet these commitments in accordance with item A of the indicative list of measures that might be taken by a Meeting of the Parties in respect of non-compliance. However, through this decision, the Parties caution these Parties, in accordance with item B of the indicative list of measures, that in the event that any country fails to return to compliance in a timely manner, the Parties shall consider measures, consistent with item C of the indicative list of measures. These measures may include the possibility of actions available under Article 4, such as ensuring that the supply of CFCs (that is the subject of non-compliance) is ceased and that importing Parties are not contributing to a continuing situation of non-compliance.