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/17: Changes in the membership of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel

The Thirty-Sixth Meeting of the Parties decides:

  1. To thank the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel for its outstanding reports and to also thank the co‑chairs and members of the Panel for their outstanding service and dedication;
  2. To endorse the appointment of Bella Maranion (United States of America) as co‑chair of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel for an additional term of four years;
  3. To endorse the appointment of Paolo Altoé (Brazil) as co-chair of the Flexible and Rigid Foams Technical Options Committee for an additional term of four years;
  4. To endorse the appointment of Adam Chattaway (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) as co‑chair of the Fire Suppression Technical Options Committee for an additional term of four years;
  5. To endorse the appointment of Daniel Verdonik (United States of America) as co‑chair of the Fire Suppression Technical Options Committee for an additional term of four years;
  6. To endorse the appointment of Suely Carvalho (Brazil) as a senior expert of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel for an additional of term of two years;
  7. To endorse the appointment of Sukumar Devotta (India) as senior expert of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel for an additional term of two years;
  8. To endorse the appointment of Bassam Elassaad (Lebanon) as a senior expert for a term of two years;
  9. To endorse the appointment of Ray Gluckman (United Kingdom) as a senior expert for an additional term of two years;
  10. To endorse the appointment of Marco González (Costa Rica) as a senior expert for an additional term of two years;
  11. To endorse the appointment of Shiqiu Zhang (China) as a senior expert for an additional term of two years.