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/5: Essential-use exemption for chlorofluorocarbon 113 for aerospace applications in the Russian Federation

Noting the evaluation and recommendation of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel and its Chemicals Technical Options Committee in respect of the essential-use nomination for chlorofluorocarbon 113 (CFC-113) for aerospace applications in the Russian Federation,

Noting also that the Russian Federation has continued to explore the possibility of importing CFC-113 to meet its aerospace industry needs from available global stocks,

Noting further that the Russian Federation has been successful in reducing its use and emissions of CFC-113 in line with a timetable of technical transformation developed in collaboration with the Chemicals Technical Options Committee,

Noting, however, that the Chemicals Technical Options Committee has recommended greater efforts to introduce appropriate alternatives,

  1. To authorize an essential-use exemption for the production and consumption in 2011 of 100 metric tonnes of CFC-113 in the Russian Federation for chlorofluorocarbon applications in its aerospace industry;
  2. To request the Russian Federation to continue to explore further the possibility of importing CFC-113 for its aerospace industry needs from available global stocks;
  3. To urge the Russian Federation to continue its efforts on the introduction of alternative solvents and the adoption of newly designed equipment to complete the phase-out of CFC-113 according to an accelerated time schedule;