The sun is setting over the clouds.

Vienna Convention – For the protection of the ozone layer

Last reviewed: ‎19‎ ‎February‎ ‎2024

The Vienna Convention is a global treaty primarily aimed at promoting international cooperation regarding depletion of the ozone layer. Sweden has ratified the convention including its protocols and amendments.

The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, or the Ozone Convention, was signed in 1985 and entered into force in 1988. The convention states that all participating countries will take measures to protect human health and the environment from hazardous effects of modifications of the ozone layer. Sweden has ratified the convention including its protocols and amendments.

The goal of the Vienna Convention is that all parties will promote cooperation by means of systematic observations, research, and exchange of information on the effect of human activities on the ozone layer. Furthermore, the parties will adopt legislative or administrative measures against activities that may have negative effects on the ozone layer. Formal requirements to take specific actions were added in the Montreal protocol. 

The Montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer 

An important part of the Convention is the Montréal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Entered into force in 1989, the protocol is a treaty on actions for phasing out the production, consumption, and emissions of ozone-depleting substances, for example: 

  • Chlorofluorocarbons, CFCs
  • Hydrochlorofluorocarbons, HCFCs
  • Carbon tetrachloride
  • Halons
  • Methyl bromide 

Every fourth year, three assessment panels with technical/economic, scientific, and environmental perspectives, have published regular reports, leading to several revisions of the protocol. In total there are five amendments to the protocol: London Amendment (1990), Copenhagen Amendment (1992), Vienna Amendment (1995), Montreal Amendment (1997), and Beijing Amendment (1999). 

In October 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda, the Parties of the Montreal protocol adopted a step-by-step reduction of the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons, HFCs. The Kigali Amendment entered into force 1 January 2019. 

Decision procedure in the Convention and the Protocol 

All decisions are made by representatives, either at the Conference of the Parties (for convention issues) or at the Meeting of the Parties (for protocol issues). The decisions are taken through consensus by each country’s government. There is also the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel, TEAP, that prepares documentation on possible technical solutions and alternatives to ozone-depleting substances. 

Facts on the ozone layer 

The natural ozone layer is found at an altitude of 10-50 kilometres, in the stratosphere. It absorbs ultraviolet light (UB-B radiation) from the sun. This radiation is harmful to living organisms and the ozone layer serves as a protecting shield for life on earth. Emissions of chlorofluorocarbons, “freons”, and similar substances have thinned out the layer, enabling more harmful radiation to reach the earth. Therefore, these emissions must be reduced or eliminated. 

Contact and more information