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 XVII/45: Endorsement of new co-chairs of the technical options committees of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel

The Seventeenth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. XVII/45:

  1. To endorse the following new Co-Chairs of the Technical Options Committees:
    1. Halon Technical Options Committee: David Catchpole and Dan Verdonik;
    2. Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee: Michelle Marcotte, Ian Porter, Mohamed Besri and Marta Pizano;
    3. Chemicals Technical Options Committee: Ian Rae and Masaaki Yamabe;
  2. To thank the following Co-Chairs who are stepping down from their positions, for their outstanding efforts on behalf of the Montreal Protocol:
    1. Jonathan Banks (Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee);
    2. Nahum Marban-Mendoza (Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee).