India formally ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, joining over 140 countries in committing to a phased reduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) — potent greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners.
What is the Kigali Amendment?
Adopted in Kigali, Rwanda in October 2016, the Kigali Amendment extended the scope of the Montreal Protocol (originally targeting ozone-depleting substances) to include HFCs.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Parent treaty | Montreal Protocol, 1987 |
| Adopted | October 2016, Kigali |
| Target | Phase-down of HFCs |
| India's schedule | Freeze HFC consumption from 2028 |
| Expected benefit | Prevent up to 0.5°C warming by 2100 |
Why HFCs?
HFCs were introduced as substitutes for ozone-depleting CFCs but turned out to be powerful greenhouse gases with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) hundreds to thousands of times greater than CO₂.
India's Roadmap
Phase-Down Schedule
- 2028 — Freeze HFC consumption at baseline levels
- 2032 — Begin reduction to 10% below baseline
- 2047 — Reduce to 20% of baseline
Domestic Steps
India has already begun transitioning to lower-GWP alternatives through:
- The Cooling Action Plan (ICAP)
- R&D in natural refrigerants like ammonia and CO₂
- Energy-efficiency standards for room air conditioners
Significance
Ratification aligns India with global climate commitments and supports its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
Exam Relevance
Prelims Focus
- Kigali Amendment — year, location, parent treaty
- HFCs vs CFCs
- Montreal Protocol basics
Mains Focus
GS Paper III: Conservation, environmental pollution, international environmental agreements.
India's ratification signals its commitment to multilateral climate action while balancing the cooling needs of a rapidly developing economy.