The challenge
History
1974
Pioneering research unveils CFC impact on ozone layer
Nobel Laureates Sherwood Rowland and Mario Molina link chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to ozone layer depletion, a critical environmental discovery.
1977
Global Action Plan for ozone protection
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) launches the World Plan of Action to combat ozone layer depletion, catalyzing global efforts.
1985
Historic Vienna Convention: a united stand for the ozone layer
Nations ratify the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, the first major global treaty employing the precautionary principle, taking action before the environmental effects are evident.
1985
The ozone hole emerges over Antarctica
Discovery of the 'ozone hole' over Antarctica underscores the urgency of addressing global CFC emissions.
The global pact
A GLOBAL PACT TAKES SHAPE
1987
Montreal Protocol adopted
Landmark agreement on the Montreal Protocol sets a precedent in international environmental collaboration.
1989
Helsinki Declaration adopted
First Montreal Protocol meeting leads to the Helsinki Declaration, committing aid to developing countries through knowledge sharing, funding, training, and technology transfer.
1990
London Amendment advances Montreal Protocol
Parties agree to the total phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons in addition to the transfer of ozone-friendly technologies and adopted a financial mechanism for Article 5 countries.
1991
Establishment of the interim Multilateral Fund
Interim Multilateral Fund was founded on 1 January to aid developing countries in ozone layer protection efforts.
1994
Multilateral Fund established on a permanent basis
1991-1992
Global agencies join forces for the ozone
UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO and the World Bank become Implementing Agencies of the Fund, enhancing global efforts in ozone preservation.
1992
Copenhagen Amendment to Montreal Protocol
Adds hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs), and methyl bromide to phase-out schedules and formalizes the creation of the Multilateral Fund.
1994
Multilateral Fund permanently established
The Multilateral Fund gains permanent status, becoming the first financial mechanism born from an international treaty.
Taking action
TAKING ACTION TO PROTECT THE OZONE
1995
Phase-Out targets set for Article 5 countries
Detailed phase-out schedules call for the elimination of most ODS by 2010.
1997
Montreal Amendment tackles illegal ODS trade
The Montreal Amendment introduces a licensing system for ODS imports and exports to combat illegal trade.
1999
Compliance period begins for Article 5 parties
First control measures go into effect for Article 5 parties, freezing production and consumption of CFCs at 1995 -1997 levels.
1999
Beijing Amendment scales up ODS phase-out
Adds bromochloromethane to phase-out schedules and extends controls on HCFCs.
2002
Complete phase-out of bromochloromethane
Bromochloromethane is phased out entirely in both developed and developing countries, a significant milestone in ozone protection.
2005
Substantial reductions in ODS in developing countries
Developing countries cut CFCs and halons by 50 percent; CTC by 85 percent; methyl chloroform (TCA) by 30 percent; and methyl bromide by 20 percent.
2007
Major strides in CFC elimination
Developing countries reduce CFC consumption and production by 85 per cent.
2007
20th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol
The 20th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol is marked by an accelerated HCFC phase-out timetable.
2008
Guidance for HCFC phase-out management plans
The Executive Committee adopts guidelines to support countries in developing their HCFC phase-out management plans (HPMPs), aiding in global phase-out efforts.
2010
First HCFC phase-out management plans approved and cost funding criteria established
The Executive Committee approves first HCFC phase-out management plans and determines funding guidelines and criteria to phase out HCFCs.
The impact
GROWING IMPACT GLOBALLY
2010
Complete phase-out of key ODS in developing countries
Total elimination of CFCs, halons, carbon tetrachloride, and other fully hydrogenated ODS in developing countries, marking a major achievement in the Montreal Protocol's mission.
2012
Celebrating 25 years of the Montreal Protocol
The Montreal Protocol celebrates a quarter-century, a testimonial to its global relevance and collaborative progress.
2013
HCFC consumption and production freeze
Developing countries freeze consumption and production of HCFCs at baseline levels.
2015
Phase-out of methyl chloroform and methyl bromide
Complete phase-out of methyl chloroform and methyl bromide achieved, along with a 10 percent HCFC reduction from baseline levels in developing countries.
2016
Kigali Amendment tackles greenhouse gases
With the adoption of the Kigali Amendment, parties agree to cut hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) consumption and production by more than 80 per cent over the next 30 years.
2019
Kigali Amendment comes into effect
The Kigali Amendment enters into force, marking a new chapter in the global fight against climate change.
2023
Historic replenishment of the Fund
A record replenishment of US $965 million is agreed upon, setting a new benchmark for the 2024-2026 triennium.