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/9: Implementation of the Montreal Protocol with regard to small island developing States

Recalling that, of the 197 parties to the Montreal Protocol, 39 are recognized by the United Nations as small island developing States,

Noting that the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 20 to 22 June 2012, recognized in its outcome document, “The future we want”, that the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances was resulting in a rapid increase in the use and release of high‑global‑warming-potential hydrofluorocarbons to the environment,[1]

Recognizing decision XIX/6, in which the parties agreed to accelerate the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons and encouraged parties to promote the selection of alternatives thereto that minimized environmental impact, in particular impact on climate, as well as meeting other health, safety and economic considerations,

Noting that the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development reaffirmed that small island developing States remained a special case for sustainable development in view of their unique and particular vulnerabilities, including their small size, remoteness, narrow resource and export base, and exposure to global environmental challenges and external economic shocks,[2]

To request the Ozone Secretariat to liaise with the organizers of the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States, to be held in Apia from 1 to 4 September 2014, with a view to promoting discussions on the challenges associated with the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, and to report to the parties on the outcome of that liaison at the thirty-fourth meeting of the Open-ended Working Group;

[1] General Assembly resolution 66/288, annex, para. 222.

[2] General Assembly resolution 66/288, annex, para. 178.