SYLLABUS

GS-2: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. 

GS-3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation. 

Context: India has announced a major regulatory step to restrict new production capacity of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) after 2027, signalling a transition towards climate-friendly cooling systems. 

More on the News

• The Government has directed all state and Central authorities to stop granting environmental clearances for new or additional HFC production beyond December 31, 2027.

• From January 1, 2028, India will freeze HFC consumption and production at baseline levels, marking the beginning of the phase-down trajectory. 

• The policy is expected to be implemented through amendments to the Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, extending regulatory control to HFCs.

• The direction is in line with India’s commitments under the Kigali Amendment to phase down HFCs, potent greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning. 

About HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons)

• HFCs are synthetic refrigerant gases widely used in air conditioning, refrigeration, aerosols, and fire suppression systems. 

• They were introduced as alternatives to ozone-depleting substances CFCs and HCFCs, which were phased out under the landmark Montreal Protocol of 1989.

• While they have zero ozone‑depletion potential (ODP), they have extremely high global warming potential (GWP)—up to 14,800 times that of CO₂ over 100 years—making them a major driver of climate change. 

• HFCs account for 2% of total GHG emissions globally, but their increasing use in developing economies has made them a key target for climate mitigation efforts. 

About the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment

• The Montreal Protocol (1987) is a landmark global treaty aimed at phasing out ozone-depleting substances, widely regarded as one of the most successful environmental agreements. 

• The Kigali Amendment (2016) extended the protocol to include phasing down HFCs, recognising their high climate impact. 

• India ratified the Kigali Amendment in 2021, committing to a gradual reduction in HFC production and consumption. 

• India has agreed to a phase-down schedule from January 1, 2028, onwards, which will see 10 per cent reduction in HFCs by 2032, rising up to 85 per cent by 2047. 

• Globally, the amendment is expected to avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100, making it a critical climate mitigation instrument.

India’s Roadmap to Phase Out HFCs 

• Reduction Targets: 

• 10% reduction by 2032 
• 20% reduction by 2037 
• 30% reduction by 2042 
• 85% reduction by 2047 

• Baseline Years: 2024–2026 for calculating HFC consumption and production levels. 

• Freeze Year: 2028 (consumption and production capped at baseline levels).

Sources:
Indian Express
Indian Express
Economic Times