Context: India has successfully phased out ozone-depleting and climate-warming chemical HCFC 141b and is ahead of schedule in eliminating another such gas, HCFCs, according to a government report.
India Achieves Complete Phase-Out of One the Most Potent Ozone-Depleting Chemical
- Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Amendment Rules, 2019 issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 prohibited issuance of import license for HCFC-141b.
- With this notification, prohibiting the import of HCFC-141 b, the country has completely phased out the important ozone-depleting chemical.
About Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-141 b:
- Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-141 b, which is a chemical used by foam manufacturing enterprises and one of the most potent ozone-depleting chemical after Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
- (HCFC)-141 b is used mainly as a blowing agent in the production of rigid polyurethane (PU) foams.
About the Report:
- The report was jointly brought out by the Environment Ministry and UNDP, during a side-event of the annual climate talks COP28.
- India has achieved a significant 33 percent reduction in emission intensity of the economy in 2019, surpassing the target set for 2030.
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
- These are gases used worldwide in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and foam applications, but they are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol since deplete the ozone layer.
- HCFCs are both ODS and powerful greenhouse gases: the most commonly used HCFC is nearly 2,000 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of its global warming potential (GWP).
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
- These were introduced as non-ozone-depleting alternatives to support the timely phase-out of CFCs and HCFCs. HFCs are now widespread in air conditioners, refrigerators, aerosols, foams, and other products.
- While these chemicals do not deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, some of them have high GWPs ranging from 12 to 14,000.
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About Montreal Protocol:
- It is an international environmental agreement adopted on September 16, 1987.
- It is the sole UN treaty universally ratified by all 197 member states, aiming to safeguard the Earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the use of ozone-depleting substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
- Objective: To protect the Earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ODS.
The Kigali Amendment:
- Adopted in 2016, the Kigali Amendment aims to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases
- In 2016, countries agreed to include HFCs in the list of controlled substances under the Montreal Protocol and decided on a schedule for its phase-down.
- Before the middle of this century, current HFC use has to be curtailed by at least 85 percent. India has to achieve this target by 2047 while the developed countries have to do it by 2036.
India’s Achievements in Implementing the Montreal Protocol:
- India as a party since 1992 has successfully implemented the Montreal Protocol for phasing out Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS).
- India phased out Chlorofluorocarbons, Carbon Tetrachloride, Halons, Methyl Bromide, and Methyl Chloroform by January 1, 2010.
- Currently, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are being phased out in stages:
- Stage I: 2012-2016 (completed)
- Stage II: 2017-2023 (under implementation)
- Stage III: 2023-2030 (to be implemented)
- Phase-out of HCFCs in manufacturing sectors (refrigeration & air-conditioning) will be completed by January 1, 2025.
- Estimated reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions:
- 465 million tonnes CO2 equivalent by 2022
- 778 million tonnes CO2 equivalent by 2030
- India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) supports the adoption of climate-friendly alternatives and promotes energy efficiency during the HFC phase-out.
- The India Cooling Action seeks to
- Reduce cooling demand across sectors by 20% to 25% by 2037-38
- Reduce refrigerant demand by 25% to 30% by 2037-38
- Reduce cooling energy requirements by 25% to 40% by 2037-38
Must read Methane Alert And Response System (MARS) here.
News Source: Economic Time
December 7, 2023