The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer

When did we realize ozone depletion was an issue, and how did we fix it? By 1985, the globe had already seen advancements in the scientific understanding of ozone depletion and its impacts on human health and the environment. It was then that the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was created in response. This agreement is a framework convention that lays out principles agreed upon by many parties. It does not, however, require countries to take control actions to protect the ozone layer. This would come later in the form of the Montreal Protocol.

The Vienna Convention was the first convention of any kind to be signed by every country involved, taking effect in 1988 and reaching universal ratification in 2009. This speaks to the enormity of ozone depletion at the time and the willingness of countries around the world to work together to solve it. The Convention aimed to promote cooperation among nations by exchanging information on the effects of human activities on the ozone layer. In doing so, the creators of the Convention hoped policymakers would adopt measures to combat those activities responsible for ozone depletion.

Today, the Vienna Convention is still making progress.The countries involved meet once every three years to make decisions on important issues including on Research and Systematic observations as well as financial and administrative matters.

Decision VC IV/1: Adjustments and Amendments to the Montreal Protocol

The Conference of the Parties, in Decision VC IV/1 of its Fourth Meeting, decided:

  1. To note the adjustments to the Montreal Protocol that were adopted by the Seventh Meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol, held in Vienna from 5 to 7 December 1995, and that these adjustments relating to controlled substances in Annex A and Annex B of the Montreal Protocol entered into force for all Parties on 5 August 1996 and those relating to Annex C and Annex E will enter into force for all Parties on 1 January 1997;
  2. To urge all States that have not already ratified the Vienna Convention, the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments, to do so expeditiously.