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 XXX/16: Membership of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel

Recalling that the terms of reference for the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel established in decision XXIV/8 provide for a limited number of senior experts for specific expertise not covered by the Panel’s co-chairs or technical options committee co-chairs,

  1. To thank the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel for its outstanding reports, and also to thank the individual members of the Panel for their outstanding service and dedication;
  2. To endorse the appointment of Ms. Marta Pizano (Colombia) as Co-Chair of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel for an additional term of four years;
  3. To endorse the appointment of Mr. Ashley Woodcock (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) as Co-Chair of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel for an additional term of four years;
  4. To endorse the appointment of Mr. Fabio Polonara (Italy) as Co-Chair of the Refrigeration, Air‑Conditioning and Heat Pumps Technical Options Committee for an additional term of four years;
  5. To endorse the appointment of Ms. Shiqiu Zhang (China) as senior expert of the Panel for an additional term of four years;
  6. To endorse the appointment of Mr. Marco González (Costa Rica) as senior expert of the Panel for an additional term of two years;
  7. To endorse the appointment of Mr. Sidi Menad Si Ahmed (Algeria) as senior expert of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel for an additional term of one year;
  8. To urge the parties to follow the Panel’s terms of reference and consult the Panel Co‑Chairs and refer to the matrix of needed expertise prior to making nominations for appointments to the Panel;