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/7: Changes in the membership of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel

  1. To endorse the reappointment of:
    1. Ms. Helen Tope (Australia) to the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel as co‑chair of the Medical Technical Options Committee for a term of four years in accordance with section 2.3 of the terms of reference of the Panel;
    2. Mr. Ian Porter (Australia) to the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel as co‑chair of the Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee for a term of four years in accordance with section 2.3 of the terms of reference of the Panel;
    3. Mr. Roberto Peixoto ( Brazil) to the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel as co‑chair of the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps Technical Options Committee for a term of four years in accordance with section 2.3 of the terms of reference of the Panel;
    4. Ms. Marta Pizano (Colombia) to the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel as co‑chair of the Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee for a term of four years in accordance with section 2.3 of the terms of reference of the Panel;
    5. Mr. Miguel Wenceslao Quintero (Colombia) to the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel as co-chair of the Flexible and Rigid Foams Technical Options Committee for a term of four years in accordance with section 2.3 of the terms of reference of the Panel;
    6. Mr. Mohamed Besri (Morocco) to the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel as co-chair of the Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee for a term of four years in accordance with section 2.3 of the terms of reference of the Panel;
    7. Mr. Sergey Kopylov (Russian Federation) to the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel as co-chair of the Halons Technical Options Committee for a term of four years in accordance with section 2.3 of the terms of reference of the Panel;
    8. Mr. Jos Pons Pons (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela) to the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel as co‑chair of the Medical Technical Options Committee for a term of four years in accordance with section 2.3 of the terms of reference of the Panel;
    9. Ms. Shiqiu Zhang (China) to the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel as a senior expert member for a term of four years in accordance with section 2.3 of the terms of reference of the Panel;
  2. To appoint:
    1. Mr. Jianjun Zhang (China) to the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel as co‑chair of the Chemicals Technical Options Committee for a term of four years in accordance with section 2.3 of the terms of reference of the Panel;
    2. Mr. Marco Gonzlez (Costa Rica) to the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel as a senior expert member for a term of two years in accordance with section 2.3 of the terms of reference of the Panel;