Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol is a landmark multilateral environmental agreement that aims to protect the stratospheric ozone layer from depletion due to the ozone reaction with halogenated hydrocarbons. Hence, its objective is to reduce or eliminate the production and consumption of ozone depleting substances (ODS). Having originated from the Vienna Convention, the Montreal Protocol sets a timeline for the phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). It entered into force in January 1989 and was universally ratified in 2009. The treaty has had several adjustments and amendments since then, adding control measures and substances to the list. The Philippines ratified the first four amendments in 2006. The latest is the Kigali Amendment in 2016 for which the country is preparing for ratification. It calls for the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which do not deplete the ozone layer but are greenhouse gases and therefore contribute to climate change.