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 XXXIV/17: Enhancing participation in the work of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol through co-option

Acknowledging that the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol consists of seven parties from the group of parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol and seven parties from the group of parties not so operating,

Recalling decision XVI/38, which modified the rotation system for allocating Executive Committee seats among the group of parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5,

To request the Executive Committee to consider increasing the funding allocated for travel by parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 in the budget of the secretariat of the Multilateral Fund, with a view to supporting the participation in Executive Committee meetings of one party operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol that is not eligible through the existing rotation system for a seat on the Executive Committee for the year in question, on the understanding that the party concerned could be co-opted by another party operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 holding the rotating seat for the year in question.