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The Montreal Protocol

The 1987 international treaty that phases out ozone-depleting substances and (under Kigali) HFCs.

The Montreal Protocol#

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is the international treaty that phases out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Adopted in 1987 and ratified by every member state of the United Nations, it is widely regarded as the most successful environmental agreement in history.

Key milestones#

  • 1985 — Vienna Convention sets the framework for protecting the ozone layer.
  • 1987 — Montreal Protocol adopted; phase-out of CFCs begins.
  • 1990–2007 — Successive amendments (London, Copenhagen, Montreal, Beijing) add and accelerate phase-outs.
  • 2016 — Kigali Amendment introduces phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), powerful greenhouse gases.

Seychelles' commitments#

Seychelles ratified the Montreal Protocol on 6 January 1993 and the Kigali Amendment on 27 May 2019. As an Article 5 (developing) country, Seychelles operates on a phased compliance schedule, supported by the Multilateral Fund.

Current status#

  • HCFCs (e.g. R-22) are being phased out in line with the agreed schedule.
  • HFC phase-down begins in 2024 under Kigali for Group 2 Article 5 parties.
  • Methyl bromide for non-quarantine and pre-shipment uses has been eliminated.

Why it matters#

  • A healthy ozone layer prevents harmful UV-B radiation from reaching Earth's surface, reducing skin cancer, cataracts, and damage to crops and marine ecosystems.
  • The Kigali Amendment alone is projected to avoid up to 0.4°C of warming by 2100 — making it one of the largest single climate-mitigation actions on the books.

Read more#