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 XII/8: Disposal of controlled substances

The Twelfth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XII/8:

Noting decisions II/11, III/10, IV/11, V/26 and VII/35 on destruction technologies and the previous work of the Ad Hoc Technical Advisory Committee on Destruction Technologies;

Also noting the innovations that have taken place in the field of destruction technologies since the last report of Advisory Committee;

Recognizing that the management of contaminated and surplus ozone-depleting substances would benefit from further information on destruction technologies and an evaluation of disposal options;

  1. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to establish a task force on destruction technologies;
  2. That the task force on destruction technologies shall:
    1. Report to the Parties at their Fourteenth Meeting in 2002 on the status of destruction technologies of ozone-depleting substances, including an assessment of their environmental and economic performance, as well as their commercial viability;
    2. When presenting its first report, include a recommendation on when additional reports would be appropriate;
    3. Review existing criteria for the approval of destruction facilities, as provided for in section 2.4 of the Handbook for the International Treaties for the Protection of the Ozone Layer;
  3. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel:
    1. To evaluate the technical and economic feasibility for the long-term management of contaminated and surplus ozone-depleting substances in Article 5 and non-Article 5 countries, including options such as long-term storage, transport, collection, reclamation and disposal of such ozone-depleting substances;
    2. To consider possible linkages to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal and other international treaties as appropriate regarding the issue of disposal;
    3. To report to the Parties on these issues at their Fourteenth Meeting in 2002.