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On October 15th, 2016, the 28th meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol was held in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. At this conference, 197 nations signed an agreement to change the Montreal Protocol. The agreement states that between now and 2045, these countries would cut the number of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) they emit by between 80 and 85 % compared to their present levels. As a direct consequence of this cooling phase, it is anticipated that the earth’s average temperature will have decreased by 0.5 degrees Celsius by the year 2100. This document is an addition to the Montreal Protocol.
What Is the Montreal Protocol?
The Montreal Protocol offers hope for a world free of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs).
On January 1st, 1989, it became law. The 197 signatories to the protocol have signed an international convention for the first time.
The Kigali amendment is the most recent in a series of modifications. The production of chlorofluorocarbons and other ODS has been decreased by 98 %, significantly aiding in the closure of the ozone hole.
Important Features of the Kigali Amendment
Both parties face legal repercussions if they do not adhere to the conditions of the agreement
It will affect January 1st, 2019, assuming approval by at least 20 member parties
It has shown exceptional flexibility in setting phase-down targets for many nations, fitting their development aims, various socio-economic compulsions, and scientific and technological capabilities
Three categories of signatories have been designated
By 2036, industrialised economies like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe will begin phasing out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
Phase-out will begin in 2024 for emerging economies, including China, Brazil, and several African countries. By 2020, it will be 20% lower than in 2017
India, Pakistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia are third group members, which will begin phasing out HFCs in 2028 and reduce them to 15 % of the preceding decade’s baseline levels until as late as 2047
Adaptation and mitigation of climate change in emerging countries are also covered in this grant
The Technology and Energy Assessment Panel (TEAP) will conduct periodic evaluations of the alternative technologies and products for their energy efficiency and safety criteria
What Is the Significance of the Kigali Amendment?
Consequently, the Paris Climate Agreement, which aims to keep global warming to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, gains sway
It differs from the Paris Agreement in that it lays out specific, measurable, and time-bound objectives and deadlines for member nations to meet their goals
Seventy billion metric tonnes of CO2 would be kept out of the atmosphere
India and the Kigali Amendment
Indian flexibility and collaboration were impressive throughout the discussions
It has agreed to a more accommodating timeline because it consumes just 3% of the US and Chinese HFCs. It has agreed to a more accommodating timeline (25 %)
There is no way that the Indian government could comply with this agreement and the Paris Agreement at the same time
Air conditioners, refrigerators, autos, and middle-class wages should be taken into consideration in the policy
A by-product of a commonly used refrigerant, HFC-23, has been banned by the Indian government on its initiative. In the next 15 years, this will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 100 million tonnes
India’s Response to the Kigali Amendment
There are substantial economic and technical ramifications for India’s air-conditioning, car, and refrigeration industries that utilise HFCs
Investing in research and development to find alternatives to HFCs, or obtaining unique substances and technology from other multinational corporations, has costly repercussions. This will drive up the price of their products, resulting in fewer people buying them
It is commonly known in industrialised nations that alternatives to HFCs are currently employed in various products and that this technology is readily available. Without technology transfer and development, indigenous companies would be unable to compete in the global and local markets
Conclusion
An international agreement has been signed, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol (HFCs), to limit the production and use of hydrofluorocarbons.
It’s a legally binding agreement that spells out everyone’s responsibilities and rights across the globe.
The Montreal Protocol was designed to safeguard and renew the depleted Ozone layer, and it did so. Under the protocol, participating countries committed to gradually phasing out certain ozone-depleting gases. Instead of the banned chemicals, they were used since they had no impact on depleting the Ozone layer. As a result of this amendment, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have been included in the list of substances that nations pledge to phase out as powerful greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
