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 XXIV/11: Evaluation of the financial mechanism

Noting that the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol is an efficient and effective instrument for enabling compliance with the Protocol by parties operating under paragraph 1 of its Article 5,

Recognizing that parties consider periodic evaluations of the financial mechanism of the Montreal Protocol an important means of ensuring the continued efficiency and effectiveness of the Multilateral Fund,

Recognizing also the role of the Multilateral Fund as a cornerstone of the Montreal Protocol and as a key mechanism for the success of the ozone layer regime,

  1. To note with appreciation the report on the 2012 evaluation of the financial mechanism of the Montreal Protocol;[2]
  2. To request the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund, within its mandate, to consider the report on the 2012 evaluation of the financial mechanism of the Montreal Protocol, as appropriate, in the process of continuously improving the management of the Multilateral Fund;

[2] UNEP/Oz.L.Pro.24/INF/4, annex.