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 XXV/3: Essential-use exemption for chlorofluorocarbon‑113 for aerospace applications in the Russian Federation

Noting the evaluation and recommendation of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel and its Chemicals Technical Options Committee on the essential-use nomination for chlorofluorocarbon‑113 for aerospace applications,

Noting also that the Russian Federation continues to explore the possibility of importing chlorofluorocarbon‑113 for its aerospace industry needs from available global stocks,

Noting further that the Russian Federation has been successful in reducing use and emissions in line with the technical adaptation timetable developed in collaboration with the Chemicals Technical Options Committee,

  1. To authorize the levels of production and consumption of chlorofluorocarbon‑113 in the Russian Federation for essential-use exemptions for chlorofluorocarbons in its aerospace industry in the amount of 85 metric tonnes in 2014;
  2. To request the Russian Federation to explore further the possibility of importing chlorofluorocarbon‑113 for its aerospace industry needs from available global stocks;
  3. To encourage the Russian Federation to continue its efforts to introduce alternative solvents and adopt newly designed equipment, with a view to completing the phase-out of chlorofluorocarbon‑113 by 2016;