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 XXIX/15: Request for the revision of baseline data by Fiji

Noting that, in decision XIII/15, the Thirteenth Meeting of the Parties decided to advise parties requesting changes in reported baseline data for the base years to present their requests before the Implementation Committee under the Non-Compliance Procedure for the Montreal Protocol, which in turn would work with the Secretariat and the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol to confirm the justification for the changes and present them to the Meeting of the Parties for approval,

Noting also that decision XV/19 sets out the methodology for the submission of such requests,

  1. That Fiji has presented sufficient information, in accordance with decision XV/19, to justify its request for the revision of its consumption data for hydrochlorofluorocarbons for the years 2009 and 2010, which are part of the baseline for parties operating under paragraph 1 of Article 5;
  2. To approve the request by Fiji, and to revise its consumption data for hydrochlorofluorocarbons for the baseline years 2009 and 2010, as indicated in the following table:

     

    Previous hydrochlorofluorocarbon data
    (ODP-tonnes)

    New hydrochlorofluorocarbon data
    (ODP-tonnes)

    2009

    2010

    Baselinea

    2009

    2010

    Baselinea

     

    7.6

    9.2

    8.4

    5.00

    6.46

    5.73

    a Hydrochlorofluorocarbon baselines established after the Twenty-Third Meeting of the Parties are presented using two decimal places whereas those established before are presented using one decimal place (see decision XXIII/30).

  3. To note that the change in baseline data confirmed that Fiji was in non-compliance with the control measures under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer for 2013 and 2014, but that as at 2015 the party had returned to compliance;
  4. Also to note that no further action is needed in view of the return to compliance and the party’s affirmation that it has taken the new baseline into account for 2015 and 2016;
  5. To monitor closely progress by Fiji with regard to the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and that, to the degree that the party is working towards and meeting the specific Protocol control measures, it should continue to be treated in the same manner as a party in good standing;