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 XXIX/9: Hydrochlorofluorocarbons and decision XXVII/5

Aware that parties not operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer are taking measures to reduce and eventually eliminate the production and consumption of the ozone-depleting substances listed in Annex C, group I (hydrochlorofluorocarbons),

Recognizing a need for continued consideration of issues related to hydrochlorofluorocarbons as indicated in paragraphs 12, 13 and 14 of decision XIX/6, and taking into consideration the report of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel prepared in response to decisions XXVII/5 and XXVIII/8,

Noting that the Halons Technical Options Committee considers it possible that certain aircraft rescue and firefighting applications may continue to need clean agents between 2020 and 2030,

Noting also that the Medical and Chemicals Technical Options Committee has identified certain hydrochlorofluorocarbons used as solvents for which there may be a continued need in certain precision cleaning applications and manufacturing processes,

Recalling the procedure laid down in paragraph 9 of Article 2 of the Montreal Protocol for adjustments and reductions in production and consumption of controlled substances,

  1. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel, in relation to Annex C, group I, substances, to assess requirements for the period from 2020 to 2030 for parties not operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 and to provide information on the following:
    1. Areas and volumes of possible needs in fire suppression sectors that may require the use of clean agents;
    2. Areas and volumes of possible needs for solvent applications, including servicing;
    3. Areas and volumes of possible other niche uses;
    4. Existing or emerging applications and processes for alternatives related to items (a) to (c) above and the possibility of meeting identified needs through the use of recycled or reclaimed hydrochlorofluorocarbons;
  2. To invite parties and other interested entities to provide additional information to the Secretariat by 15 January 2018 for inclusion in the Panel’s progress report;
  3. To request the Panel to report on the assessment referred to above by 15 March 2018;