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 XXXII/2: Extraordinary meeting of the parties in 2021

Noting that consideration of and a decision on the replenishment of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol for the triennium 2021–2023 have been postponed owing to the circumstances related to the coronavirus disease (COVID­19) pandemic,

Noting also that the contingency plan for meetings of the ozone treaties in 2020 and 2021, sent by the Secretariat to parties on 21 September 2020, includes the possibility of holding a second part of the forty-second meeting of the Open­ended Working Group in March 2021 and an extraordinary meeting of the parties in July 2021, to focus on the replenishment of the Multilateral Fund, 

Aware that the contingency plan will probably need to be revised, in consultation with the parties, in the light of the evolving situation regarding the global pandemic,

To authorize the Secretariat to organize an extraordinary meeting of the parties in 2021 to enable parties to take a decision on the replenishment of the Multilateral Fund for the triennium 2021–2023 if and when the circumstances related to the global pandemic permit it.