In a major effort to curb the use of climate damaging refrigerants HFCs, how many countries agreed in Kigali, Rwandan to phase down the use of super GHGs, in Oct 2016?

a. 195

b. 196

c. 197

d. 198

ANSWER: 197

Explanation:

In a major development to curb the use of climate- damaging refrigerants, hydrofluorocarbons, 197 nations on 15th Oct signed an agreement in Kigali, Rwanda to phase down the use of this super GHG.

As per this agreement, reached after a 5 day gruelling negotiation, developed countries including US, Japan, Canada and West European nations will lower HFC use first, followed by China with a large number of other developing countries

India and nine other countries of South and West Asia including Pakistan, Iran and Iraq will follow suit

The agreement is expected to reduce the HFC use by 85 percent by 2045

As per the agreed schedule, the developed nations led by the US will reduce HFC use by 85 percent by 2036 over a 2011-2013 baseline.

China is the largest producer of HFCs in the world

It will reduce HFC use by 80 percent by 2045 over the 2020-2022 baseline

India will reduce the use of HFCs by 85 percent over the 2024-2026 baseline by 2047

Freezing year for India will be 2028- it means the country would peak the use of HFCs by 2028 and thereafter start phasing it down

This agreement reflects the principal of common but differentiated responsibility and an emerging reality of the world where China takes more responsibility to solve global environmental issues

Developed countries have also agreed to provide enhanced funding support to developing nations under the Kigali deal on the Montreal Protocol

Unlike the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Montreal Protocol amendment is legally binding.

The Kigali agreement is the beginning of a long process to replace HFCs with energy efficient and environmentally sound alternatives