197 Countries Approve HFCs Amendment to Montreal Protocol
On October 14, 2016 197 countries agreed to amend the landmark 1987 Montreal Protocol to phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), an extremely potent greenhouse gas. As a result of the Montreal Protocol, which phased out the ozone-depleting coolants called chlorofluorocabrons (CFCs), HFCs were introduced and adopted as a replacement. Under the new amendment, the United States and European Union will phase down HFCs by 2019 while a group of developing countries such as China, Brazil, and most African nations will follow with a freeze of HFC consumption level in 2024. India, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait will also follow with a freeze of HFCs consumption levels in 2024. Under the Montreal Protocol, all amendments are binding on the United States.
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197 Countries Approve HFCs Amendment to Montreal Protocol
