The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol will officially come into effect on January 1st, 2019. The main goal is to phase down on powerful greenhouse gases, known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs are synthetic substances used mainly in refrigeration, air-conditioning equipment, propellants in foams and aerosols. The global warming effect of HFCs is up to 15,000 times greater than that of carbon dioxide and its usage has become one of the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. The implementation of this new amendment could prevent up to 80 billion tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent of emissions by 2050. This decrease in emissions will also make a significant contribution to the Paris Agreement objective to limit the global temperature rise to below 2°C. Currently, 197 countries have adopted the Kigali Amendment, including Canada. Therefore, to ensure the objectives outlined in the amendment is achieved effectively and cost-efficiently, all governments and relevant industries have adopted regulations on how to reduce HFC consumption.
For more information regarding the Kigali Amendment and what this means for your company, contact Nexreg!