10 Years of the Kigali Amendment: Delivering Climate Action Through Partnership, Compliance, and Innovation
Ten years ago, Parties to the Montreal Protocol adopted the Kigali Amendment, expanding the treaty’s environmental leadership to address climate change. By committing to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and other cooling applications, governments once again demonstrated the power of multilateral cooperation to advance sustainable solutions.
A decade later, the Kigali Amendment stands as a landmark achievement in global environmental governance. Its implementation is accelerating the transition to sustainable cooling and is projected to avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by the end of the century. Its success extends beyond compliance targets and regulatory milestones. It is reflected in the efforts of policymakers, customs officers, refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians, trainers, industry representatives, and especially National Ozone Officers, whose leadership has been essential in translating international commitments into effective national action and preparing countries for the long-term transition to sustainable cooling.
As an Implementing Agency of the Multilateral Fund, UNEP’s Law Division, through its OzonAction programme, has supported developing countries throughout this transition. Through implementation of national projects and Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) services, OzonAction has helped countries strengthen policies, address technical and regulatory challenges, and exchange practical experiences and lessons learned.
This support has become increasingly important as countries pursue multiple development and environmental objectives simultaneously. The transition to low-global-warming-potential technologies offers an opportunity not only to reduce climate impacts, but also to improve energy efficiency, strengthen climate resilience, enhance food and health systems, and support sustainable economic growth. As global demand for cooling continues to rise, effective implementation of the Kigali Amendment is critical to maximizing these broader benefits.
The progress achieved over the past decade has been made possible through the commitment of Parties, the Multilateral Fund, implementing and bilateral agencies, industry partners, training institutions, civil society, and countless professionals working across the cooling sector. Together, they exemplify the enduring strength of the Montreal Protocol model, which combines science, policy, finance, technology, and capacity building to deliver measurable environmental results.
As we celebrate this milestone, we can take pride in the achievements of the past ten years while looking confidently to the future. The Kigali Amendment continues to demonstrate that with strong partnerships, practical compliance support, and sustained commitment, global environmental challenges can be transformed into opportunities for climate action, sustainable development, and lasting benefits for future generations.
Patricia Kameri-Mbote