Brazil is Enforcing the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol to Control HFCs

In a considerable move towards combating climate change and protecting the environment, Brazil has enacted the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. This milestone was achieved through Decree No. 11.666 in August, and it marks a vital step in addressing the high potential of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to intensify global warming. HFCs may not deplete the ozone layer, but their contribution to climate change cannot be ignored.

The Kigali Amendment, named after the Rwandan city where it was adopted in 2016, is an extension of the Montreal Protocol, which has been hailed as one of the world's most successful environmental agreements. The original Montreal Protocol focused on phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons. Its remarkable success in achieving its goals has been pivotal in protecting the Earth's ozone layer.

However, as the world reduced its use of ODS, there was a surge in the production and consumption of HFCs, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and other related compounds. These chemicals, used primarily in air conditioning, refrigeration, and other applications, are potent greenhouse gases, with global warming potentials thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2).

The Kigali Amendment, therefore, aims to address this unintended consequence by phasing down the production and consumption of HFCs. Signatories to the Montreal Protocol are required to reduce their HFC usage over time, ultimately leading to a significant reduction in their contribution to global warming.

Brazil's Commitment to the Kigali Amendment

Brazil's commitment to combating climate change has taken another step forward with the enactment of the Kigali Amendment. By aligning with the goals of the amendment, Brazil acknowledges the importance of mitigating the impacts of HFCs on the climate.

To implement the Kigali Amendment domestically, Brazil's environmental agency, the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), will play a pivotal role. Ibama will publish a Normative Instruction (IN) that will establish the requirements and procedures related to the import control of HFCs and mixtures containing HFCs. This regulation will set annual import limits in compliance with the Protocol, ensuring that Brazil meets its obligations under the Kigali Amendment.

Public Engagement and Transparency

Ibama's commitment to transparency and public participation is commendable. The Institute has announced its intention to open a public consultation on the Normative Instruction (IN) through the Participa + Brasil platform. This initiative allows all interested sectors, including industry, environmental organizations, and the public, to access the proposal and make their contributions on the subject. This inclusive approach ensures that a wide range of perspectives and expertise are considered in the development of the regulation, promoting fairness and effectiveness in its implementation.

More info in Portuguese about it: Ibama informa sobre Implementação da Emenda de Kigali para controle dos HFCs no Brasil — Ibama (www.gov.br)