Kigalijärjestely

Kigalijärjestely refers to the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. This international treaty, adopted in Kigali, Rwanda, in October 2016, aims to gradually phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs are potent greenhouse gases commonly used as refrigerants, propellants, and solvents. While they do not deplete the ozone layer, their significant contribution to global warming prompted the need for their regulation.

The Kigali Amendment is considered a landmark achievement in climate change mitigation. It establishes legally binding targets for developed and developing countries to reduce their HFC emissions by 80-85% by 2047 compared to baseline levels. The amendment includes a phased approach, with different timelines for different groups of countries, allowing for flexibility and consideration of specific national circumstances. Developed countries are generally expected to start phasing down HFCs sooner, while developing countries have longer periods to comply.

The implementation of the Kigali Amendment is expected to avoid significant global warming, with estimates suggesting it could prevent up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of warming by the end of the century. This reduction in HFCs will not only benefit the climate but also contribute to advancements in energy efficiency, as newer refrigerants are often more environmentally friendly and consume less energy. The amendment encourages the development and adoption of alternative technologies and substances that have lower global warming potentials.