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 XXVII/4: Response to the report by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel on information on alternatives to ozone-depleting substances

Noting with appreciation the September 2015 report of the task force of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel addressing the issues listed in subparagraphs 1 (a)–(c) of decision XXVI/9,

  1. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel, if necessary in consultation with external experts, to prepare a report for consideration by the Open-ended Working Group at its thirty–seventh meeting, and thereafter an updated report to be submitted to the Twenty‑Eighth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 2016, that would:      
    1. Update, where necessary, and provide new information on alternatives to ozone‑depleting substances, including not-in-kind alternatives, based on the guidance and assessment criteria provided in subparagraph 1 (a) of decision XXVI/9 and taking into account the most recent findings on the suitability of alternatives at high-ambient temperatures, highlighting in particular:
      1. The availability and market penetration of these alternatives in different regions;
      2. The availability of alternatives for replacement and retrofit of refrigeration systems in fishing vessels, including in small island countries;
      3. New substances in development that could be used as alternatives to ozone-depleting substances and that could become available in the near-future;
      4. The energy efficiency associated with the use of these alternatives;
      5. The total warming impact and total costs associated with these alternatives and the systems where they are used;
    2. Update and extend to 2050 all the scenarios in the decision XXVI/9 report;