What Is the Montreal Protocol?

In the 1970s, scientists began to notice a drastic decrease in the amount of ozone protecting our planet. And, with increasing technological advancements, satellites and better chemical knowledge pointed an accusatory finger at certain man-made substances as the culprits creating the destruction. By 1985, the confirmation came that there was indeed a hole in the ozone layer. What could be done?

Along came the Montreal Protocol (also known as the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer). This international treaty was designed to eliminate and/or drastically reduce over 100 known ozone depleting substances (ODS). With the treaty open for signatures on September 16th, 1987, it was an international effort. The program requires all participating nations to report annual production of the listed chemicals. In addition, the import and export of such materials are also monitored.

Countries Participating in the Montreal Protocol

To date, 191 countries have agreed to ratification. Countries were labeled as ‘developed’ or ‘developing’ depending on certain economic factors. This short change in terminology allows for different rules to be applied to the participating nations. In short, developing countries are given a grace period of 10 to 15 years to comply with reduction and elimination rules over developed countries. Depending on the severity and/or type of chemical involved, the countries can establish reduction agendas that extend years beyond those of well established countries.

The entire process is a review controlled by the participants. Like a company, there are reports that are analyzed by internal review boards. Countries are then rated as compliant or non-compliant. When a country has shown a non compliant status after lengthy review, the countries are put on a formal action plan designed to assist in the reduction of the ozone depleting substances.

No Back Door

There are provisions in the laws which establish rules against trading ODS or Ozone Depleting Substances with countries that are non-compliant or non-participating in the treaty. This prevents the illegal and unethical “behind-closed-doors” trading of ozone depleting chemicals.

But what if a new substance is discovered or science makes advancements in chemical knowledge? The Montreal Protocol has addressed such issues. The protocol establishes ways for countries to periodically review the latest technical information on the substances in question. Due to the need to change information as it becomes available, the protocol has been amended 5 times.