THE KIGALI AMENDMENT TO THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL FOR A WORLDWIDE PHASE DOWN OF THE POTENT GREENHOUSE GASES, HFCs

The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer builds on 30 years of successfully eliminating ozone depleting substances. The Kigali Amendment adds powerful greenhouse gases hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to the list of substances controlled under the Protocol and which are to be phased down. Under the Amendment, Montreal Protocol parties are required to gradually reduce HFC use by 80-85 per cent by the late 2040s. Under the Amendment, parties will phase down production and consumption of HFCs, creating the potential to avoid up to 0.5°C of warming by the end of the century. In particular the African countries have shown the willingness to act in reducing HFCs well before the entry into force of their obligations under the Montreal Protocol, avoiding the introduction of HFCs in various sectors, even the most critical, and implementing the alternatives with low- or zero- GWP.