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/5: Issues related to the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons

Aware that parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol 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 that there is some uncertainty about the future use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons by parties not operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 after 2020 for essential uses and for servicing existing refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, in accordance with paragraph 6 (a) of Article 2F of the Montreal Protocol,

Recalling paragraphs 12, 13 and 14 of decision XIX/6, in which the Meeting of the Parties indicated that further consideration by the parties of the issues of essential uses, servicing and basic domestic needs should occur by 2015 at the latest,

  1. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel, in relation to Annex C, group I, substances:
    1. To identify sectors, including subsectors, if any, where essential uses for parties not operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 may be needed after 2020, including estimations of the volumes of hydrochlorofluorocarbons to be used;
    2. To assess the future refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment servicing requirements between 2020 and 2030 of parties not operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 and to assess whether there is a need for servicing in other sectors;
    3. To report on recent volumes of production to satisfy basic domestic needs, projected estimates of such future production and estimated needs of parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 to satisfy basic domestic needs beyond 2020;
  2. To invite parties to provide relevant information to the Ozone Secretariat by 15 March 2016 for inclusion in the Panel’s assessment;
  3. To request the Panel to submit its report to the Open‑ended Working Group at its thirty-seventh meeting, in 2016;[2]

[2] This reference to the thirty-seventh meeting of the Open-ended Working Group should be understood to refer to an appropriate meeting of the Open-ended Working Group in 2016.