What did the Montreal Protocol do?
The Montreal Protocol committed Parties to implement actual controls on the consumption of ozone-depleting substances. This included reducing the consumption of CFCs, by the late 1990s, to 50% of 1986 levels. Also included was a 1992 freeze on the consumption of halons at 1986 levels. Developing countries were given a grace period of ten years. The Protocol is quite complex. However, it has the important feature of having provision which allows for the control of all ODS, not just those originally identified in the agreement. Amendments can be made as there is more scientific and technological understanding. Trade measures to build support for the Montreal Protocol were also unique.
