The Verkhovna Rada Committees on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation and Environmental Policy and Nature Management supported draft law №0303 on the ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
It was reported by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine.
What is the Montreal Protocol
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international treaty developed to preserve this protective shield of the Earth. It provides for the suspension or restriction of the production of a number of substances considered responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer. The document came into effect on January 1, 1989.
In October 2016, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol was made. It provides for a phased reduction in the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
These substances are used as refrigerants in air conditioners and refrigerators. They are powerful greenhouse gases. The amendment is expected to prevent the emission of 105 million tons of CO2-equivalent of greenhouse gases. This will help avoid a global temperature rise of 0.5°C by 2100.
So far, 163 countries have ratified the Kigali Amendment. It establishes a schedule for reducing the consumption of hydrofluorocarbons regardless of the time of ratification.
Why ratification of this amendment by Ukraine is important
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources states that delaying this process may lead to the need for a drastic reduction in the use of HFCs, which will have serious economic consequences. For example, if Ukraine ratifies the amendment now, the reduction will be 40% of the basic level. However, if this step is postponed, in 2029, 70% will have to be reduced at once without a transition period, which will deal a significant blow to industry and the economy.
In addition, from January 1, 2028, the EU will introduce a prohibition on trade with countries that are not parties to the amendment, and from January 1, 2033, imports and exports of these substances will be banned in all countries of the world.
According to Svitlana Hrynchuk, Minister of Environmental Protection, ratification of the Kigali Amendment is an important step not only towards environmental protection but also for the future of the Ukrainian economy.
“The refusal to ratify means losing access to international markets, investments and falling behind in technological development. Ukraine must take action now to have time to adapt and not lose competitive advantages,” the official said.
The Ministry adds that the transition to alternative refrigerants will eventually facilitate the introduction of more energy-efficient equipment, even though it will require initial investments. The technology upgrades will also open up new opportunities for the development of the energy-efficient market.
Back in May 2022, former Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine Iryna Stavchuk shared the achievements of the Ministry of Environmental Protection over the 2.5 years she had worked at the ministry. Among them, she mentioned fundraising for the preparation of analytical materials and economic calculations for joining the Kigali Amendment.
In its report on Ukraine's progress within the EU expansion package for 2024, the European Commission highlighted the ratification of the Kigali Amendment as one of the priorities for our country in the field of environmental policy for 2025.
