New Delhi, Oct. 19 -- A decade ago, countries adopted the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, committing to a gradual global phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These chemicals were widely adopted as alternatives to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), used in air conditioners and refrigerators but are known to deplete the ozone layer.

While HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, they are potent greenhouse gases with a significantly higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide (CO₂). Some HFCs can trap thousands of times more heat than carbon dioxide over a given period, making their phase-down an important step in the fight against climate change.

Full implementation of the Kigali Amendment could prevent up to 0.5degC of ...