UNEP celebrates 100th Kigali ratification
KENYA: The landmark 100th ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol has been welcomed as “great news” by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The ratification by Liberia registered on July 12 is a major milestone for the agreement, with UNEP describing it as a welcome boost to global climate action.
“As we deal with the impacts of the global pandemic, it is crucial not to forget climate action,” said Inger Andersen, executive director of UNEP.
“Climate change could cause even more misery and disruption than COVID-19; we must be resolute in our efforts to limit it.
“The Kigali Amendment reaching 100 ratifications is therefore great news. The Amendment is a powerful tool for keeping our planet cool. I thank those states which have ratified it and encourage the 98 others to follow suit and help to ensure a safer future for all of humanity.”
The first country to ratify the Amendment agreement signed in October 2016 was Mali. Ratification by the West African nation in March 2017 was followed by the Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Rwanda. The European Union – along with most of its member states – was a single block of parties to the Montreal Protocol; along with others, this made it possible for the Amendment to enter into force on 1 January 2019.
The 2016 Kigali Amendment requires a phasedown of high global warming potential HFCs by more than 80% (in CO2-equivalent) over the next 30 years. Estimates suggest that emissions avoided by 2100 could reach 5.6 to 8.7GtCO2e per year.
It is estimated that replacing HFCs also creates an opportunity to increase the energy efficiency of cooling equipment by 10-50%.
“Each ratification of the Kigali Amendment brings us closer to replicating the success of the Montreal Protocol in dealing with ozone-depleting substances,” said Tina Birmpili, executive secretary of the ozone secretariat.
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Liberia ratifies Kigali – 14 July 2020
LIBERIA: The Republic of Liberia, on the coast of West Africa, has become the 100th country to ratify the Kigali Amendment. Read more…
Nations agree global phase down of HFCs – 15 October 2016
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