Montreal Protocol

05/09/2025

260 2 minutes read

Image Credit: World History Archive/Alamy Stock Photo

In order to safeguard the ozone layer, the historic international Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987 and went into effect on January 1, 1989.
With all 197 nations around the globe as parties to the Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol, it has been unanimously approved and sets a required schedule for the elimination of ODS.

To progressively reduce and eliminate the use and manufacturing of ozone-depleting chemicals.
To make sure that every nation that signed the Protocol adheres to and carries out its articles.
To support continuous scientific studies and evaluations aimed at monitoring the condition of the ozone layer and the Protocol’s efficacy.
The Multilateral Fund helps developing nations switch to ozone-friendly technologies and practices.

The Montreal Protocol, which established it as a model for international collaboration, was the first treaty in history to gain universal ratification.
The Protocol has seen numerous major changes throughout the years, each designed to increase its ability to address ozone depletion.

London Amendment (1990): This amendment mandated that the usage of CFCs, halons, and carbon tetrachloride (CTC) be phased out by January 2010.
Montreal Amendment (1997): By March 1998 or January 1, 2000, this amendment established a licensing system for the importation and exportation of regulated substances.
Beijing Amendment (1999): This amendment gave developing nations more concessions while implementing control measures for the manufacture of HCFCs for developed countries.

The Multilateral Fund (MPMF), which was created by the Montreal Protocol, helps developing nations eliminate ODS.
The incremental expenses related to the ODS phase-out, such as technology transfer, capital equipment purchases, and operational expenses for switching to non-ODS technologies, are covered by this Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund (MPMF).
Businesses using older ODS technologies (developed before July 25, 1995) are eligible for financing from the Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund (MPMF) to switch to non-ODS technology.
As part of its commitment to phase out ODS and shift to sustainable alternatives, India is eligible for this aid.

Governmental Accountability
- - The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has been given the mandate by the Government of India to carry out the Montreal Protocol and safeguard the ozone layer.
Steering Committee with Authority (ESC)
- - Putting the Montreal Protocol’s clauses into practice.
  - evaluating different courses of action and policies.
  - Making decisions regarding projects pertaining to the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances.
  - keeping an eye on how far these projects are moving forward.
Ozone Cell (National Ozone Unit)
- - To offer essential services for, the Ministry has created the Ozone Cell as a National Ozone Unit (NOU). The Montreal Protocol’s timely and effective implementation.
CFC Elimination
- - Up until August 1, 2008, CFCs were only permitted in Meter-Dose Inhalers (MDIs) for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  - By December 2012, all CFC usage in MDIs had been eliminated.