In a step forward for the climate, the EU will ratify the Kigali amendment to the Montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer after the Council of the EU formally adopted the decision on Monday 17 July to conclude, on behalf of the EU, this amendment that seeks to speed up the progressive elimination of the powerful greenhouse gases hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) (see EUROPE 11823).
“HFCs are thousands of times more harmful to the climate than carbon dioxide”, stated Environment Council President Siim Kiisler. He welcomed the decision that will see the EU “among the first to ratify the Kigali amendment to cut these greenhouse gases and continue our unwavering commitment to tackling climate change”.
Under the amendment adopted in October 2016, EU member states, like the other industrialised countries, will be required to begin the first reductions in 2019; developing countries will be required to freeze consumption of HFCs between 2024 and 2028.
The EU began cutting HFC use as early as 2015. Its 2014 regulation will have to be reviewed to comply with the Kigali Amendment beyond 2030.
The amendment will come into force on 1 January 2019 upon ratification by at least 20 states or regional economic integration organisations that are parties to the Montreal Protocol. If this threshold is not reached by then, the amendment will come into force on the 90th day following the date on which this condition has been finally fulfilled. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)