Governance & Policy
Kigali Amendment
The 2016 amendment to the Montreal Protocol committing countries to phase down HFC refrigerants, potent greenhouse gases, by more than eighty percent.
Definition
The Kigali Amendment is a 2016 amendment to the Montreal Protocol, in force since 2019, that commits parties to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons — refrigerants with high global warming potential — by over eighty percent by mid-century, with differentiated schedules for developed and developing countries.
Quick reference
At a glance
- Subject
- Governance & Policy
- Editorial status
- Editorial draft
- Definition status
- Established
- Last updated
- 19 August 2026
- Also known as
- Kigali · Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol
Overview
What it means
The treaty that fixed the ozone layer was extended to tackle the climate impact of the chemicals that replaced ozone-depleting refrigerants.
How it is used
Cooling and refrigeration industries plan transitions to low-GWP alternatives; policymakers cite it as one of the most effective single climate measures agreed.
Why it matters
Full implementation could avoid a substantial fraction of a degree of warming this century while improving cooling efficiency.
Review
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