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 XXXIII/9: Changes in the membership of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel

  1. To thank the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel for its outstanding reports, and to thank the co‑chairs and members of the Panel for their outstanding service and dedication;
  2. To endorse the appointment of Mr. Sergey Kopylov (Russian Federation) as co‑chair of the Halons Technical Options Committee for an additional term of four years;
  3. To endorse the appointment of Mr. Roberto Peixoto (Brazil) as co-chair of the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps Technical Options Committee for an additional term of two years;
  4. To endorse the appointment of Ms. Marta Pizano (Colombia) as co‑chair of the Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee for an additional term of four years;
  5. To endorse the appointment of Mr. Ian Porter (Australia) as co‑chair of the Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee for an additional term of four years;
  6. To endorse the appointment of Ms. Helen Tope (Australia) as co‑chair of the Medical and Chemicals Technical Options Committee for an additional term of four years;
  7. To endorse the appointment of Ms. Helen Walter-Terrinoni (United States of America) as co‑chair of the Flexible and Rigid Foams Technical Options Committee for an additional term of four years;
  8. To endorse the appointment of Mr. Ray Gluckman (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) as a senior expert for an additional term of one year;
  9. To endorse the appointment of Mr. Marco González (Costa Rica) as a senior expert for an additional term of one year;
  10. To endorse the appointment of Mr. Rajendra Shende (India) as a senior expert for an additional term of one year.