Why is it in the news?
- India surpasses Montreal Protocol targets, according to a report by MOEFCC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme).
More about the news
- Exceeded the 35% HCFC (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons) phase-out goal by achieving a 44% reduction from the 2020 baseline.
- Successfully eliminated HCFC 141b, a blowing agent used in the production of rigid polyurethane foam.
- HCFCs are employed as refrigerants in the production of new equipment. India to phase out the use of HCFCs in new equipment manufacturing completely by December 2024, ahead of the Montreal Protocol schedule (2030).
Montreal Protocol (1987)
- Global environmental treaty aimed at eliminating the production and use of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).
- Implemented under the Vienna Convention, adopted in 1985.
- The Kigali Amendment (2016) to the Montreal Protocol focuses on phasing down Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), non-ODS alternatives to CFCs and HCFCs.
| About Ozone and ODS
· Stratospheric ozone (good ozone) located at 10-40 KM above Earth’s surface protects the Earth from UV radiation. · Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) are human-made chemicals containing chlorine and bromine, such as CFCs and HCFCs. · ODS, when reaching the stratosphere, undergo catalytic reactions that deplete stratospheric ozone. · Ozone formed in the troposphere is harmful and referred to as ‘bad ozone.’
India’s Ozone Protection Initiatives · Ratification of the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol. · Implementation of a Three-stage HCFC Phase-out Management Plan. · Launch of India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) to provide access to sustainable cooling. · Establishment of the Ozone Cell in MOEFCC. |
