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.

Annex IX: Bali Declaration[12]

Bali Declaration on Transitioning to Low Global Warming Potential Alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances

We, the Parties to the Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer and its Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, having met in Bali, Indonesia from 21 to 25 November 2011,

Cognizant that certain ozone depleting substances have high global warming potential and that the mitigation of ozone depleting substances could contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,

Recalling the general obligation under Article 2 of the Vienna Convention that Parties take appropriate measures in accordance with the provisions of that Convention and of its protocol to which they are party to protect human health and the environment against adverse effects resulting or likely to result from human activities which modify or are likely to modify the ozone layer,

Also recalling decision XIX/6, in which the Meeting of the Parties decided to encourage parties to promote the selection of alternatives to ozone depleting substances that minimize environmental impacts,

Mindful that certain high global warming potential alternatives to ozone depleting substances are contributing to environmental degradation,

Reaffirming the need for a transition to alternatives which are technically proven, economically viable, and environmentally benign to ozone depleting substances,

Recalling the declaration signed by 90 Parties at the 22nd Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in Bangkok 2010,

Emphasizing the importance of capacity building, financial, technical and other assistance needed by Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol for transitioning to low global warming potential alternatives,

Acknowledging the decision of the Parties at the 23rd Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in Bali concerning additional information on alternatives to ozone depleting substances,

Hereby:

1. Note with appreciation the efforts of the Parties operating under Paragraph 1 Article 5, which selected low global warming potential alternatives for implementing their HCFCs Phase-out Management Plans for compliance with the 2013 and 2015 control targets;

2. Call on Parties to conduct further studies on low global warming potential alternatives to ozone depleting substances, that include, but are not limited to, the economic impact and its feasibility, technical feasibility, market availability and impact on human health and safety of such alternatives in particular with enhanced engagement of stakeholders, particularly the industry;

3. Invite Parties and others in a position to do so, to provide suitable and sustainable financial as well as technical assistance, including technology transfer and capacity building needed by Parties, in particular Parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 for transitioning to low global warming potential alternatives to ozone depleting substances that minimize environmental impacts;

4. Call on parties and the Ozone Secretariat to continue coordination between the Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol to ensure their mutually supportive implementation and the achievement of their objectives;

5. Call on Parties, while recognizing national priorities, to explore further and pursue under the Montreal Protocol the most effective means of achieving the transition to low global warming potential alternatives to ozone depleting substances.

 

[12] The Bali Declaration is presented here as submitted by its drafters, without formal editing.