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 XXXVI/10: Update to the report of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel prepared pursuant to decision XXVIII/2, paragraph 5

The Thirty-Sixth Meeting of the Parties,

Recalling paragraph 5 of decision XXVIII/2 relating to the amendment phasing down hydrofluorocarbons,

Taking note with appreciation of the 2024 progress report of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel[1]containing a technical review of alternatives to hydrofluorocarbons,

Noting that there could be considerable demand for refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment in several Article 5, group 2 parties,

Decides:

To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to provide in its 2026 quadrennial assessment report an update by sector and subsector on low- and lower-global-warming-potential alternatives to hydrofluorocarbons for use in Article 5, group 2 parties to prepare for the hydrofluorocarbon freeze, including with regard to the following:

  • Challenges and barriers in terms of availability, accessibility and adoption;
  • Standards for alternative refrigerants and for equipment, taking into consideration the capacity of equipment in different countries;
  • Market structure, including supply chain issues;
  • Options for addressing the challenges and barriers to the adoption of alternatives identified in subparagraph (a) above;
  • Information on the cost of adoption of alternatives, in the context of the information provided under subparagraphs (a) to (d) above.

[1] United Nations Environment Programme, Report of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel: Volume 1 – Progress Report, May 2024(Nairobi, 2024).