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 XXII/22: Membership changes on the assessment panels

  1. To thank Mr. Jan C. van der Leun, who has served as Co-Chair of the Environmental Effects Assessment Panel since its inception, for his long and outstanding service on behalf of the Montreal Protocol;
  2. To endorse Mr. Nigel D. Paul as Co-Chair of the Environmental Effects Assessment Panel;
  3. To thank Mr. Jos Pons Pons for his long and outstanding service as Co-Chair of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel;
  4. To endorse the selection of Ms. Marta Pizano as Co-Chair of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel for a term of four years, subject to re-endorsement by the parties in accordance with section 2.3 of the terms of reference of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel;
  5. To thank Mr. Thomas Morehouse for his long and outstanding service as a Senior Expert of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel and as a member and Co-Chair of the Halons Technical Options Committee;
  6. To endorse the selection of Ms. Bella Maranion as a Senior Expert of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel for a term of four years, subject to re-endorsement by the parties in accordance with section 2.3 of the terms of reference of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel;
  7. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel and its technical options committees to draw up guidelines for the nomination of experts by the parties, in accordance with section 2.9 of the terms of reference of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel, for presentation to the parties prior to the thirty-first meeting of the Open-ended Working Group;
  8. To request that the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel consider the need for balance and appropriate expertise when appointing members of the technical options committees, task forces and other subsidiary groups in accordance with sections 2.1, 2.5 and 2.8 of the terms of reference of the Panel;