At the twenty-eighth meeting of the parties, The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, held in Kigali, Rwanda, amended the 1987 Montreal Protocol to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The Kigali Agreement is an amendment to the Montreal Protocol, an environmental agreement made by nations to gradually remove ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) from the earth's atmosphere. This article will explain to you about Kigali Agreement which will be helpful in preparing the Environment Syllabus for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

What is Montreal Protocol?

• The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an agreement that was established to safeguard the ozone layer of the Earth by gradually banning the compounds that damage it.
• The production and consumption of ozone-depleting chemicals are both covered by this phase-out strategy.
• This historic agreement was ratified in 1989 after being agreed upon in 1987.
• It is the first United Nations convention to have been adopted by every nation in the globe with 197 Parties (196 UN member states plus the EU).

*To know more about the topic, click this link Montreal Protocol

What is Ozone Layer Depletion?

• This is a representation of the atmosphere's protective ozone layer becoming thinner.
• Concentrations of ozone in the atmosphere vary naturally according to temperature, weather, latitude, and altitude.
• Furthermore, substances ejected by natural events such as volcanic eruptions can have measurable impacts on ozone levels.
• However, natural phenomena cannot explain the current levels of ozone depletion.
• The scientific evidence shows that certain man-made chemicals are responsible for the creation of the Antarctic ozone hole and the global ozone losses.
• These chemicals are industrial gases that have been used for many years in a range of products and applications including aerosol sprays, refrigerators, air conditioners, fire extinguishers, and crop fumigation.
• ODS (Ozone Depleting substances) are broken down by sunlight in the stratosphere, producing halogen (e.g. chlorine or bromine) atoms, which subsequently destroy ozone through a complex catalytic cycle.
• At the South Pole, where extremely low stratospheric temperatures throughout the winter form polar stratospheric clouds, ozone degradation is at its highest.
• These clouds' ice crystals increase the surface area available for chemical reactions, speeding up catalytic cycles.
• Since sunlight is used to destroy ozone, the process is accelerated during spring, when solar radiation levels at the pole are at their peak and polar stratospheric clouds are continuously present.

Ozone Layer Depletion

What is Kigali Agreement?

• The Montreal Protocol has been amended numerous times since it entered into force in 1989. The 8th amendment is the Kigali Amendment.
• The 197 member countries signed the agreement to amend the Montreal Protocol during the 28th Meeting of Parties.
• It is so named because it occurred in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, in October 2016.
• The signing countries are expected to reduce their production and use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 80-85 percent from their baseline levels by 2045, according to the terms of the Amendment.
• This will slow global warming (by limiting the increase in global average temperature to 0.5 degrees Celsius) by the year 2100.

Kigali Agreement - Salient Features

The Kigali Agreement is significant since it deals with the crucial HFCs problem. The key elements of this agreement are as follows:

• Between the signatories, it is an agreement that is legally binding and enforceable. Additionally, there are non-compliance penalties to guarantee its application.
• It sets several goals for nations based on their socioeconomic conditions, technological and scientific prowess, and level of development.
• The Kigali Agreement promotes the idea of Respective Capabilities and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities.
• In accordance with the phase-down schedules to stop and lower the production of HFCs, the agreement divides the signatory parties into three groups.
• First Group: The first category consisted of wealthy nations, led by the United States and the European Union, which would have begun the phase-down of HFCs by 2019 and reduced the level to 15% of 2012 levels by 2036.
• Second Group: The second category consists of growing nations with economies like China, Brazil, and several African nations. They will begin the phase-down process by 2024 and reduce it to 20% of 2021 levels by 2045.
• Third Group: India is included in the third category, which consists of developing economies and some of the hottest countries. This group will begin the phase-down process by 2028 and reduce the level to 15% of 2024–26 levels by 2047. Examples: Pakistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.

Kigali Agreement - Significance

• This significant tool is essential to attaining the goal of limiting the rise in global temperatures to 2 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels.
• The average temperature of the earth has already increased by almost 1.1 degrees Celsius, according to a recent assessment from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
• The collaborative effort is anticipated to stop emissions of greenhouse gases equivalent to up to 105 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, preventing an increase in global temperature of up to 0.5 degrees Celsius by 2100 while yet preserving the ozone layer.
• HFCs were not considered restricted substances by the Montreal Protocol since they did not destroy the ozone layer.
• They were among the harmful greenhouse gases whose emissions were targeted to be reduced by the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and the 2015 Paris Agreement, among other climate change measures.
• But compared to the climate change instruments, the Montreal Protocol has been a much more effective and successful accord.
• The phase-out of 98.6% of ozone-depleting chemicals is already a result of it. The HCFCs that are being phased out make up the remaining 1.4%.

Kigali Agreement and India

• India has ratified the Kigali Agreement. India has agreed to a more lenient schedule than other countries like the US (consumes 37%) and China (consumes 25%) because it only uses 3% of HFCs.
• The agreement mandates that India begin phase-down by 2028 and reduce HFC emissions by 15% from levels in 2024–2026 by 2047.
• Even though this timetable is the most straightforward when compared to the others, it is nevertheless challenging because of India's ambitious "Make in India" initiative.
• The Kigali amendment has financial ramifications for India because it affects a growing economy.
• More money must be invested in alternative research and development if the nation is to completely abandon HFCs.
• Being a tropical country, air conditioners and refrigerators are widely used and are only getting more so. Appliances for cooling are in high demand.
• Product costs are likely to increase if businesses invest more in R&D or even in obtaining patents, which will result in a decrease in the market's client base.
• India declared local action on HFC-23 (trifluoro-methane), a super greenhouse gas, taking into account environmental concerns despite difficulties in executing the accord.

Kigali Agreement - Benefits for India

• The passage of the Kigali Amendment signals a need for markets to move more quickly away from HFCs and toward cleaner gases.
• It would support efforts to increase domestic manufacturing and jobs.
• By ratifying, India will demonstrate that it is prepared to compete in the market for low-GWP (climate-friendly) refrigerants, which will encourage domestic innovation and draw foreign investment.
• The choice would make it easier for India to fulfill its cooling and climate change mitigation targets.
• India is one of a select few nations that are on track to fulfilling its climate obligations under the Paris Agreement.

Conclusion

The Kigali Amendment is truly a remarkable step that gives momentum to a number of new global climate change agreements, including the Paris Agreement, which formally entered into force in the year 2016, as pressure mounts on governments around the world for less talk and more action to address climate change.

FAQs

Question. What is the Kigali Agreement?

Question. Why is the Kigali Agreement important for the environment?

Question. What are the key objectives of the Kigali Amendment?

Question. What are the challenges in implementing the Kigali Agreement?

Question. How does the Kigali Agreement contribute to the global fight against climate change?

MCQs

1. What is the primary focus of the Kigali Amendment?

A) Phasing out ozone-depleting substances

B) Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

C) Phasing out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

D) Managing ocean pollution

2. Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas targeted by the Kigali Amendment?

A) Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

B) Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

C) Methane (CH₄)

D) Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

3. Which year was the Kigali Amendment adopted?

A) 2010

B) 2016

C) 2020

D) 2005

4. What is the target reduction of HFCs by 2050 as per the Kigali Amendment?

A) 40-50%

B) 60-70%

C) 80-85%

D) 100%

5. Which of the following is a significant challenge in implementing the Kigali Agreement?

A) Political unrest

B) Financial constraints in developing countries

C) Lack of international cooperation

D) Availability of alternative chemicals

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the objectives and significance of the Kigali Amendment in global climate change mitigation efforts.

Answer: The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol represents a critical step in the global fight against climate change. Its primary objective is the phased reduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which, while not ozone-depleting, are highly potent greenhouse gases with a global warming potential thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide (CO₂). By targeting the reduction of HFCs, the amendment contributes directly to the global effort to limit temperature rise and helps meet climate goals set under the Paris Agreement. The agreement's significance lies not only in mitigating global warming but also in its alignment with the overarching goal of protecting the ozone layer, as HFCs have often been used as replacements for ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The Kigali Amendment encourages international cooperation, providing financial support and technology transfer to developing countries to ease their transition away from HFCs. By 2050, the amendment is expected to prevent the equivalent of up to 0.5°C of global warming, making it a vital instrument in the global climate change mitigation strategy.

Q2: Evaluate the impact of the Kigali Agreement on developing countries in the transition towards environmentally friendly technologies.

Answer: The Kigali Agreement plays a significant role in helping developing countries transition towards more environmentally friendly technologies. One of the key challenges faced by these countries is the financial and technological barriers to phasing out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning. The Kigali Amendment addresses this challenge by providing financial mechanisms to support technology transfer and reduce the economic burden on developing nations. This support allows countries to adopt alternatives that are not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable in the long term. The amendment also ensures that developing countries have access to safe, efficient, and affordable alternatives to HFCs, such as hydrocarbons and CO₂-based systems, which have a much lower global warming potential. The agreement’s phased approach, which gives developing countries more time to comply, ensures that they can manage the transition without disrupting their economic growth. Thus, the Kigali Agreement is a critical tool in promoting sustainable development in the global south and mitigating the impact of climate change.

Q3: What are the challenges in achieving the targets of the Kigali Amendment, particularly for developing nations?

Answer: The Kigali Amendment sets ambitious targets for the phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), but several challenges remain, particularly for developing nations. These challenges include:

• Financial Constraints: Many developing countries lack the financial resources required to switch to alternative technologies, which can be costly. Although the amendment includes funding provisions, securing sufficient and timely financial assistance remains a significant hurdle.
• Access to Technology: While alternatives to HFCs are available, many developing countries face difficulties in accessing cutting-edge technologies. This includes the technical expertise and infrastructure needed to manufacture and implement these technologies effectively.
• Market Demand and Infrastructure: Developing nations may face challenges in establishing infrastructure for new refrigerants and ensuring there is market demand for these alternatives, especially in sectors such as air conditioning and refrigeration, which are growing rapidly in these regions.
• Political and Administrative Challenges: Effective policy implementation is often hindered by political instability, bureaucratic delays, and weak enforcement mechanisms, making it harder for developing countries to meet their Kigali Amendment targets. Despite these challenges, the Kigali Amendment provides a pathway for countries to transition to environmentally sustainable technologies, supported by international cooperation and financial assistance.

Previous Year Questions on Kigali Agreement

1. UPSC 2020

Question: "Discuss the role of the Kigali Amendment in the global effort to combat climate change."

Answer: This question focused on the contribution of the Kigali Amendment in mitigating climate change by targeting HFCs, a major contributor to global warming. Candidates were expected to highlight the climate benefits and its role in achieving global temperature goals.

2. UPSC 2019

Question: "Evaluate the challenges and opportunities for developing countries in implementing the Kigali Amendment."

Answer: This question required an evaluation of the challenges and opportunities faced by developing countries in phasing out HFCs and adopting alternative technologies, with particular emphasis on financial constraints, technology transfer, and support mechanisms provided under the amendment.