Status of Environmental Treaties
- Treaty Status & Amendments
The Montreal Protocol, established in 1987, remains fully ratified by 198 parties (197 states plus the European Union), making it the most universally adopted UN treaty .
It has undergone six major amendments: London (1990), Copenhagen (1992), Vienna (1995), Montreal (1997), Beijing (1999), and Kigali (2016) .
The Kigali Amendment, which adds hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to the Protocol’s substance list, has been ratified by 163 parties (states + EU) as of November 4, 2024 .
- Implementation & Institutional Actions
At the 47th Meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG-47) held in Bangkok (7–11 July 2025), parties advanced several key topics:
Replenishment of the Multilateral Fund (MLF)
Lifecycle refrigerant management and options for low-GWP inhaler propellants
Fire-suppressant HFC alternatives and feedstock uses
Enhanced atmospheric monitoring and institutional strengthening
Review of allowable HCFC usage for servicing from 2030–2040
Climate-aligned implementation of the Kigali Amendment
Classification of Palestine as a developing-country party for MLF access .
The Multilateral Fund (MLF) continues its support:
As of July 16, 2025, it has disbursed approximately US $4.3 billion in grants across 10,198 approved projects, aiding 144 developing countries .
A new revolving fund mechanism—approved by the Executive Committee in late 2024—is being deployed to accelerate adoption of energy-efficient, low-GWP technologies .
- Scientific and Environmental Progress
Ozone layer recovery continues globally:
According to WMO/UN Weather Body, the ozone layer is projected to return to 1980 levels by around 2066 over Antarctica, 2045 over the Arctic, and 2040 for the rest of the planet, despite volcanic disturbances .
The Montreal Protocol, including the Kigali Amendment, is delivering significant climate co-benefits and helping avert warming:
The Kigali Amendment alone could prevent up to 0.5 °C of warming by 2100 .
A recent FT commentary highlights that maximizing energy-efficiency gains in cooling—like air-conditioning—could potentially double the climate benefit already delivered by the Protocol .
Summary Table
Aspect Current Status (Mid-2025)
Treaty Ratification 198 parties fully ratified
Kigali Amendment 163 parties ratified
Key Focus Areas at OEWG-47 Fund replenishment, HCFC servicing, HFC lifecycle, monitoring, institutional strengthening
Multilateral Fund USD 4.3 billion disbursed; new revolving fund mechanism launched
Ozone Recovery On track to recover by 2040–2066
Climate Impact Up to 0.5 °C warming avoided; potential to double by boosting cooling efficiency
Additional Perspectives
OEWG-47 in July 2025 laid the groundwork for major decisions expected at MOP-37 in November 2025, especially around financing, refrigerant management, and servicing allowances .
Energy efficiency in cooling systems is increasingly recognized as a high-impact area that can amplify both ozone and climate benefits—echoing voices urging the Protocol to expand its role in climate mitigation .
