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/29: Recognizing the preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development 2002

The Thirteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XIII/29:

Recalling the ongoing preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development, which will take place in Johannesburg in 2002,

Recognizing the substantial progress made in the implementation of the objectives of the Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol,

Stressing that the Protocol has often been cited as an example of a well-functioning multilateral environmental agreement;

  1. To note with appreciation the comprehensive preparatory process for the World Summit;
  2. To recognize the need to consider ways to improve the overall effectiveness of the international environmental institutions and therefore to welcome the work undertaken by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in the framework of international environmental governance;
  3. To support appropriate collaboration and synergies that may exist between multilateral environmental agreements, as agreed by the Parties to those agreements;
  4. To look forward to the recommendations on this issue by the Governing Council of UNEP in its 7th special session, in February 2002, and to the final decisions by the Johannesburg Summit in September 2002 and by the third Global Ministerial Environmental Forum;
  5. To request the Executive Director of UNEP to bring this decision to the attention of the President of the UNEP Governing Council and the Chairman of the Preparatory Committee of the World Summit.