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/7: n-propyl bromide

The Thirteenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XIII/7:

Noting the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel’s report that n-propyl bromide (nPB) is being marketed aggressively and that nPB use and emissions in 2010 are currently projected to be around 40,000 metric tonnes,

  1. To request Parties to inform industry and users about the concerns surrounding the use and emissions of nPB and the potential threat that these might pose to the ozone layer;
  2. To request Parties to urge industry and users to consider limiting the use of nPB to applications where more economically feasible and environmentally friendly alternatives are not available, and to urge them also to take care to minimize exposure and emissions during use and disposal;
  3. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to report annually on nPB use and emissions.