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 VI/6: Reviews under paragraph 8 of Article 5 of the Protocol and under section II, paragraph 4, of decision IV/18 of the Fourth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol

The Sixth Meeting of the Parties decided in Dec. VI/6:

  1. To take note of the ongoing reviews under paragraph 8 of Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol and under section II, paragraph 4, of decision IV/18 of the Fourth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol;
    1. To approve the loan of US$ 450,000 from the Multilateral Fund to the Secretariat as a one-time measure to facilitate the review of the Financial Mechanism;
    2. To repay the loan to the Multilateral Fund through necessary additional contributions to the Trust Fund for the Montreal Protocol as proposed in the revised budgets for 1994 and 1995;
  3. To request the Open-ended Working Group to consider the report of the review undertaken under decision IV/18 and to make recommendations, as appropriate, to the Seventh Meeting of the Parties.