On 15 October 2016, the 197 parties to the Montreal Protocol signed the Kigali amendment to gradually reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) around the world. This agreement will strengthen the objective of the Paris Agreement target that aims to keep global warming below 1.5°C to 2°C by 2100. The amendment was welcomed by all European refrigeration and air conditioning operators. The Kigali agreement – like F-Gas II, initiated by the European Union – also includes the phase down of HFCs based on CO2 equivalence.
The schedule foresees a gradual reduction in the use of HFCs by the parties, which are divided into three categories that have different starting points and reduction stages :
• the first group comprises « developed nations »
• the second group comprises « developing nations »
• the third group is made up of India, the Gulf states, Iran, Iraq and Pakistan.
By 2048, all of the countries are expected to consume no more than 15% to 20% of what they currently consume (based on CO2 equivalence). The deadlines are legally binding and may be revised or brought forward for all countries in light of technological progress.
NB : 16 countries, including the United States, Japan, Germany plus France, and 19 private donors/organisations, pledged up to $80 million of aid (€71.5 million) to help developing countries in this transition process. The funding of the transition process, estimated at several billion dollars, will be discussed again at the end of 2017 as part of the Montreal Protocol.