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/4: Destruction technologies for controlled substances

Considering the chemical similarity of hydrofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and chlorofluorocarbons and halons, and taking note of the practice to often destroy them together,

Noting the need to approve destruction technologies for hydrofluorocarbons and to keep the list of approved destruction technologies annexed to decision XXIII/12 up to date,

  1. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to report by 31 March 2018, and if necessary to submit a supplemental report to the Open‑ended Working Group at its fortieth meeting, on:
    1. An assessment of the destruction technologies as specified in the annex to decision XXIII/12 with a view to confirming their applicability to hydrofluorocarbons;
    2. A review of any other technology for possible inclusion in the list of approved destruction technologies in relation to controlled substances;
  2. To invite parties to submit to the Secretariat by 1 February 2018 information relevant to the tasks set out in paragraph 1 above;