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/7: Additional information on alternatives to ozone-depleting substances

Recalling the report of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel on alternatives to hydrochlorofluorocarbons in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector in parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 with high ambient temperatures and unique operating conditions, submitted to the Open-ended Working Group at its thirtieth meeting pursuant to decision XIX/8,

Noting with appreciation volume 2 of the 2012 progress report of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel which responded to Decision XXIII/9,

  1. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel in consultations with experts from outside the Panel with the relevant expertise if necessary, to update information on alternatives and technologies in various sectors and prepare a draft report for consideration by the Open-ended Working Group at its thirty-third meeting and a final report to be submitted to the Twenty-Fifth Meeting of the Parties that would by end use:
    1. Describe all available alternatives to ozone-depleting substances that are commercially available, technically proven, environmentally-sound, taking into account their efficacy, health, safety and environmental characteristics, cost-effectiveness, and their use including in high ambient temperatures and high urban density cities;
    2. Update information provided by previous Panel reports on alternatives under development;
    3. Identify barriers and restrictions to the adoption and commercial use of certain environmentally-sound alternatives to ozone-depleting substances;
    4. Estimate, if possible, the approximate amount of alternatives with negative environmental impacts that could be or could have been avoided or eliminated by both non-Article 5 and Article 5 parties in the process of phasing-out ozone-depleting substances;
    5. Identify the opportunities for the selection of environmentally-sound alternatives to HCFCs in the future;
  2. To invite the Panel to take into account any information relevant for the report to be prepared under paragraph 1 of the present decision provided by parties to the Secretariat;