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/6: Operation and organization of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel

Taking note of decision XXIV/8, which updated the terms of reference for the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel,

Taking note also of the information provided by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel in volume 3 of its 2013 progress report,

Recognizing that the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel has commenced implementation of its revised terms of reference as approved by the parties in decision XXIV/8,

Recognizing also the need to consider adjustments to the technical options committees so as to reflect evolving workloads, the need for relevant expertise, and the requirements of the parties,

  1. To encourage the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to continue its implementation of the revised terms of reference as approved by the parties in decision XXIV/8;
  2. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to provide the following information in its 2014 progress report:
    1. An update on its processes for the nomination of members to its technical options committees, taking into account section 2.2.2 of its terms of reference;
    2. Its proposed configuration of the technical options committees from 1 January 2015 (for example, the combination or division of the existing technical options committees, or maintaining the status quo thereof);
    3. Options, if considered appropriate, to streamline the Panel’s annual technology updates to the parties;