10 Years of the Kigali Amendment: Why India’s Cooling Choices Matter

Why in News?

• The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol marks its 10th anniversary on 15 October 2026. Adopted in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2016, the amendment aims to gradually reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), powerful greenhouse gases commonly used in air conditioners and refrigerators.
• The amendment could prevent around 0.3°C to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100 if fully implemented. 
• As demand for cooling continues to rise, its implementation is becoming increasingly important for India’s climate goals, electricity demand and sustainable development.

What Is the Kigali Amendment?

• The Kigali Amendment is an international agreement adopted on 15 October 2016 to reduce the use of HFCs. It is part of the Montreal Protocol, which was adopted in 1987 to protect the ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances.
• HFCs became widely used as alternatives to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which damage the ozone layer. Although HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, many of them have a high global warming potential.
• The Kigali Amendment therefore aims to reduce the impact of these gases on climate change while allowing countries time to adopt safer alternatives.
• The amendment entered into force on 1 January 2019. Unlike a complete phase-out, it requires countries to reduce HFC production and consumption in stages.

Why Was the Kigali Amendment Needed?

• The Montreal Protocol helped countries eliminate nearly 99% of controlled ozone-depleting substances. However, the widespread use of HFCs created a new environmental challenge.
• HFCs are used in air conditioners, refrigerators, commercial cooling systems and other equipment. When these gases leak into the atmosphere, they can trap much more heat than carbon dioxide.
• The Kigali Amendment was introduced to address this problem. It also encourages the development of climate-friendly refrigerants and more energy-efficient cooling technologies.

How Does Cooling Contribute to Global Warming?

• Cooling affects the climate in two major ways.
• Refrigerant emissions: HFCs can escape from air conditioners and refrigerators during use, servicing or disposal. Many HFCs have a strong warming effect.
• Electricity consumption: Air conditioners and refrigerators consume electricity. When this electricity is generated using fossil fuels, it leads to carbon dioxide emissions.
• Replacing high-impact refrigerants with lower-impact alternatives can reduce direct emissions. Improving the energy efficiency of cooling equipment can also reduce electricity consumption and indirect emissions.
• Combining both measures can significantly increase the climate benefits of the Kigali Amendment.

Why Is the Kigali Amendment Important for India?

• India faces a major cooling challenge because of its hot climate, growing population, urbanisation and rising incomes. Demand for air conditioners, refrigerators and other cooling equipment is expected to increase substantially in the coming years.
• The country must expand access to affordable cooling while limiting greenhouse gas emissions and pressure on its electricity system.
• The Kigali Amendment is important for India for the following reasons:
  • Climate action: Reducing HFC use can help India limit greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Energy security: Efficient cooling equipment can reduce electricity demand, especially during summer.
  • Lower household expenses: Energy-efficient appliances can help consumers save money on electricity bills.
  • Cleaner technology: The transition can encourage manufacturers to develop and adopt climate-friendly refrigerants.
  • Sustainable development: Affordable and efficient cooling is important for healthcare, food storage, industries and comfortable living conditions.

India’s Commitments Under the Kigali Amendment

• India ratified the Kigali Amendment in 2021. Under its agreed schedule, India is required to freeze HFC production and consumption in 2028, followed by a gradual reduction.
• The main milestones are:
  • 2028: Freeze HFC production and consumption at the agreed baseline level.
  • 2032: Reduce HFC production and consumption by 10% below the baseline.
  • 2047: Achieve an 85% reduction below the baseline.

These commitments provide India with time to develop alternatives, upgrade manufacturing facilities and prepare the cooling sector for the transition.

What Challenges Does India Face?

1. Rising Demand for Cooling

• As temperatures rise and incomes grow, more households and businesses are likely to purchase cooling equipment. 
• Meeting this demand without increasing emissions will be a major challenge.

2. High Cost of New Technology

• Manufacturers may need to redesign products, modify factories and adopt new refrigerants. 
• These changes can increase initial costs, particularly for small businesses.

3. Need for Energy-Efficient Appliances

• A shift to climate-friendly refrigerants alone is not enough. 
• Cooling equipment must also consume less electricity to reduce overall emissions.

4. Refrigerant Leakage and Disposal

• Refrigerants can escape when equipment is poorly maintained, repaired or discarded. 
• Weak recovery and recycling systems can increase emissions even when new HFC use is being reduced.

5. Skills and Training

• Technicians need training to handle alternative refrigerants safely, maintain modern equipment and recover refrigerants during repairs and disposal.

6. Financing and Technology Access

• Indian manufacturers and service providers need access to suitable technologies, skilled workers and financial support to complete the transition without making cooling unaffordable.

What Should India Do Next?

India needs a comprehensive cooling strategy that combines climate action with affordability and energy efficiency.

• Promote energy-efficient appliances: Strengthen efficiency standards and encourage consumers to choose equipment that uses less electricity.
• Adopt climate-friendly refrigerants: Support research, manufacturing and the adoption of alternatives with lower global warming potential.
• Improve refrigerant recovery: Establish effective systems to collect, reuse or safely destroy refrigerants from old and damaged equipment.
• Train cooling technicians: Expand technical training programmes on the safe installation, repair and disposal of modern cooling systems.
• Support manufacturers: Improve access to finance, technology and research facilities, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Increase public awareness: Inform consumers about energy-efficient appliances, proper maintenance and the environmental impact of refrigerant leakage.
• Strengthen international cooperation: Work with other countries and international institutions to secure technical assistance, funding and access to cleaner technologies.

How Has the Montreal Protocol Been Successful?

• The Montreal Protocol is widely regarded as an important example of international environmental cooperation. It established common targets, introduced binding reduction schedules and allowed countries to strengthen their commitments over time.
• Developing countries were given longer implementation periods and financial support through the Multilateral Fund, which helps eligible countries meet the additional costs of complying with the treaty.
• The Kigali Amendment builds on this approach by addressing HFCs through phased reductions, technological improvements and international cooperation.
• The experience also offers lessons for tackling other climate pollutants, although each pollutant requires measures suited to its sources and the technologies available to control it.

Can the Kigali Approach Help Reduce Other Climate Pollutants?

• The Kigali Amendment directly addresses HFCs, but its approach may offer lessons for reducing other short-lived climate pollutants, including methane and black carbon.
• Methane is emitted by sources such as oil and gas operations, agriculture and waste. Black carbon, commonly known as soot, is produced by incomplete combustion of fuels.
• Reducing these pollutants can help slow near-term warming. However, they require different policies, technologies and implementation strategies.
• For example, methane reduction in the energy sector can involve detecting and repairing leaks, while reducing black carbon requires cleaner transport, cooking fuels and industrial processes. International cooperation can help coordinate action, but any new agreement must account for the specific challenges of each sector.

Way Forward

India should adopt a sustainable cooling strategy that balances rising demand for cooling with climate protection and affordability.

• Promote Energy Efficiency: Strengthen energy-efficiency standards for air conditioners, refrigerators and other cooling equipment to reduce electricity consumption.
• Adopt Climate-Friendly Refrigerants: Encourage the use of alternatives with low global warming potential and support research into safer, affordable technologies.
• Strengthen Refrigerant Management: Improve the recovery, recycling and safe disposal of refrigerants to prevent emissions from leaking and discarded equipment.
• Support Industry: Provide financial and technical assistance to manufacturers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to adopt cleaner technologies.
• Build Technical Skills: Train technicians in the safe handling, installation, repair and maintenance of modern cooling systems.
• Increase Public Awareness: Encourage consumers to choose energy-efficient appliances and ensure their proper maintenance.
• Enhance International Cooperation: Work with global institutions to access funding, technology and technical expertise for implementing the Kigali Amendment.

India must combine HFC reduction with energy efficiency and responsible refrigerant management to make cooling affordable, reliable and environmentally sustainable.

Conclusion

Ten years after its adoption, the Kigali Amendment remains an important part of global efforts to address climate change. For India, its success will depend not only on reducing HFC production and consumption but also on improving energy efficiency, preventing refrigerant leakage and making clean cooling technologies affordable.

As cooling demand rises, India has an opportunity to protect the climate while strengthening energy security and improving access to essential cooling. A well-planned transition can help the country meet its international commitments and build a more sustainable cooling sector.

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