This refers to the editorial, “For cleaner air to breathe” (October 19). The Kigali agreement has come in the form of an amendment to the 1989 Montreal Protocol, which aimed to end the use of chlorofluorocarbons that damaged the earth’s ozone layer. The agreement aims at reducing the usage of hydroflourocarbons (HFCs) by providing three pathways for the international community. First, developed nations like those of the European Union and the US will start limiting their use of HFCs within a few years and make a cut of at least 10 per cent from 2019. Second, fast developing countries like China and island nations will freeze their use of HFCs from 2024.
Meanwhile, other developing countries like India will freeze their usage by 2028. Put together, the freezes and cuts are aimed at reducing global warming by half a degree celsius. Importantly, the amendment to the Montreal Protocol is legally binding and brings within its ambit all top global emitters including the US and China.