First year of the Kigali Amendment kicks off
The Amendment to the Montreal Protocol aims to phase down HFCs globally.
The Kigali Amendment, an agreement to phase down HFCs globally, to the Montreal Protocol was adopted by 197 parties meeting in the Rwandan capital on 15 October 2016. The Amendment sees developed countries take the lead on phasing down HFCs, starting with a 10% reduction in 2019 and delivering an 85% cut in 2036 (compared to a 2011–2013 baseline).
Developing countries are split into two groups. The first one — which includes China and African nations — will freeze consumption of HFCs by 2024, with their first reduction steps starting in 2029. A second group including India, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and the Gulf countries will meet a later deadline, freezing their use of these gases in 2028 and reducing consumption from 2032.
Kigali has already reached the threshold to enter into force, having been ratified by the required 20 parties at the end of 2017.
HFCs are widely seen as the world’s fastest-growing climate pollutant and are used in air conditioners and refrigerators.
Currently 65 countries, along with the European Union, have now ratified Kigali including Japan, Australia, Canada and Mexico.
The imminent entry into force of the Kigali deal establishes a clear HFC phase-down schedule, giving a strong message to the HVAC&R sector to provide the technology solutions — including natural refrigerant-based equipment — that will deliver the Kigali targets.
