The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is an international agreement to gradually reduce the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). It is a legally binding agreement designed to create rights and obligations in international law.
- Fact: Parties adopted the Kigali Amendment on 15 October 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda, and it entered into force on 1 January 2019.
- Targets:
- By 2045, the parties are projected to have reduced the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by about 80–85% from their respective baselines.
- By 2100, this phase-down is anticipated to stop the rise in the world average temperature by up to 0.5 °C.
- Major Provisions
- HFC Phase-down: Countries must progressively reduce HFC production and consumption according to agreed schedules.
- Differentiated Responsibilities: Developed and developing countries follow different phase-down timelines.
- Financial Assistance: The Multilateral Fund under the Montreal Protocol supports eligible developing countries in transitioning to alternatives.
- Technology Transition: Encourages adoption of energy-efficient, low-GWP refrigeration and cooling technologies.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Parties must report HFC production and consumption and implement licensing systems.
- Note: India officially ratified the Kigali Amendment on September 27, 2021.
Source: The Indian Express