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/7: Membership changes on the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel

Noting that the parties intend to consider issues related to the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel at the forty-third meeting of the Open‑ended Working Group,

Taking into account the exceptional circumstances related to the coronavirus disease (COVID‑19) pandemic, and without setting a precedent,

Noting that the terms of reference of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel require a decision of the Meeting of the Parties to confirm any temporary subsidiary body that exists for a period of more than one year,

  1. To thank the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel for its outstanding reports and to thank the individual co‑chairs and members of the Panel for their outstanding service and dedication;
  2. To endorse the appointment of Ms. Bella Maranion (United States of America) as co‑chair of the Panel for an additional term of four years;
  3. To endorse the appointment of Mr. Paulo Altoé (Brazil) as co‑chair of the Flexible and Rigid Foams Technical Options Committee for an additional term of four years;
  4. To endorse the appointment of Mr. Adam Chattaway (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) as co‑chair of the Halons Technical Options Committee for an additional term of four years;
  5. To endorse the appointment of Mr. Daniel Verdonik (United States of America) as co‑chair of the Halons Technical Options Committee for an additional term of four years;
  6. To endorse the appointment of Mr. Marco González (Costa Rica) as a senior expert for an additional term of one year;
  7. To endorse the appointment of Mr. Rajendra Shende (India) as a senior expert for an additional term of one year;
  8. To endorse the appointment of Mr. Ray Gluckman (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) as a senior expert for a term of one year;
  9. To confirm that the temporary subsidiary bodies established by the Panel to address decisions XXXI/1, XXXI/3, and XXXI/7 may continue their work up to and including at the Thirty‑Third Meeting of the Parties.