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 XXV/10: Non-compliance with the Montreal Protocol by Azerbaijan

Noting that Azerbaijan ratified the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the London Amendment and the Copenhagen Amendment on 12 June 1996, the Montreal Amendment on 28 September 2000 and the Beijing Amendment on 31 August 2012, and is classified as a party not operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Protocol,

Noting also that the Global Environment Facility approved $9,706,515 to enable Azerbaijan to achieve compliance with the Protocol,

Noting further that Azerbaijan had reported annual consumption for the controlled substances in Annex C, group I (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), for 2011 of 7.63 ODP-tonnes, which exceeds the party’s maximum allowable consumption of 3.7 ODP-tonnes for those controlled substances for that year, and was therefore in non‑compliance with the consumption control measures under the Protocol for hydrochlorofluorocarbons,

Noting Azerbaijan’s submission of a plan of action for returning to compliance with the Protocol’s control measures for hydrochlorofluorocarbons,

Noting also that the party’s submission of ozone-depleting-substance data for 2012 showed that Azerbaijan was in compliance with its hydrochlorofluorocarbon consumption obligations under the control measures of the Protocol,

  1. That no further action is necessary in view of the party’s return to compliance with the hydrochlorofluorocarbon phase‑out in 2012 and its implementation of regulatory, administrative and technical measures to ensure compliance with the Protocol’s control measures for hydrochlorofluorocarbons;
  2. To urge Azerbaijan to work with the relevant implementing agencies to implement its plan of action for the consumption of hydrochlorofluorocarbons;
  3. To monitor closely the party’s progress with regard to the implementation of its obligations under the Protocol;