The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol turns ten years since its adoption on 15 October 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda. It entered into force in January 2019. About 175 parties had joined by early October 2026.
Exam concepts
What it is: An amendment to the Montreal Protocol (1987) that requires parties to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
Why HFCs matter: HFCs replaced ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs in refrigeration and air conditioning. They do not deplete the ozone layer, but they are powerful greenhouse gases with a global warming potential (GWP) hundreds to thousands of times that of CO2.
Climate effect: Full implementation is expected to avoid up to about 0.5°C of global warming by 2100.
Phase-down, not phase-out: Kigali is a phase-down. Limited HFC use can continue after the cuts.
Montreal Protocol backdrop: The Protocol has phased out about 99% of controlled ozone-depleting substances, and the ozone layer is recovering.
India (ratified 2021):
- Freeze HFC production and consumption in 2028 at the baseline level
- 10% cut by 2032
- 85% cut by 2047
Key facts for quick revision
- Adopted: 15 October 2016, Kigali, Rwanda
- Entered into force: January 2019
- Parent treaty: Montreal Protocol, 1987
- Target: HFC phase-down (high-GWP refrigerants)
- Warming avoided if fully implemented: up to ~0.5°C by 2100
- India ratified: 2021; freeze 2028; 10% by 2032; 85% by 2047
