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/19: Membership changes on the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel

  1. To thank the Technology and Assessment Panel for its outstanding reports and to thank the individual members of the panel for their outstanding service and dedication;
  2. To thank Mr. Stephen O. Andersen for his long and outstanding service as Co-Chair of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel as he transitions to a role as a Senior Expert of the Panel;
  3. To endorse the selection of Mr. Andersen as a Senior Expert of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel for a term of one year in accordance with section 2.3 of the terms of reference of the Panel;
  4. To endorse the selection of Ms. Bella Maranion as Co-Chair of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel for a term of four years in accordance with section 2.3 of the terms of reference of the Panel;
  5. To endorse the reappointment of Mr. Lambert J. M. Kuijpers as Co-Chair of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel and Co-Chair of the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps Technical Options Committee for a term of two years in accordance with section 2.3 of the terms of reference of the Panel;
  6. To endorse the reappointment of Mr. Daniel P. Verdonik 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;
  7. To endorse the reappointment of Mr. Ashley Woodcock 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;
  8. To endorse the reappointment of Mr. David Catchpole 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;
  9. To endorse the reappointment of Mr. Paul Ashford 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;