China commits to progressing climate efforts while safeguarding the ozone layer
In celebration of the 30th World Ozone Day in 2024, China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued a statement reaffirming the nation's dedication to the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment. The announcement highlighted China's resolve to develop a comprehensive hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) lifecycle management system and to enhance international collaboration in addressing global climate issues.
TroibNews 
To honor the signing of the Montreal Protocol, the United Nations designated September 16 as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer in 1994. The Montreal Protocol, which was signed on September 16, 1987, seeks to phase out the global production and use of substances that deplete the ozone layer. On the occasion of the 30th World Ozone Day in 2024, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued a statement reiterating the nation’s commitment to the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment. The statement also highlighted China’s intention to implement a comprehensive management system for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) throughout their lifecycle and to bolster international collaboration in addressing global climate challenges.
Since becoming a party to the Montreal Protocol in 1991, China has successfully eliminated 628,000 tonnes of ozone-depleting substances, representing over half of the total reduction achieved by developing nations. This effort has resulted in avoiding the equivalent of more than 26 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions over the years, significantly aiding in both the recovery of the ozone layer and the global fight against climate change.
In October 2016, the Kigali Amendment was adopted by participants of the Montreal Protocol to regulate and mitigate HFCs, which are potent greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. China formally accepted this amendment in April 2021, marking an important step in its dual initiative to protect the ozone layer while simultaneously addressing climate change within the framework of the Montreal Protocol.
Scientific evaluations indicate that compliance with the Kigali Amendment’s guidelines could prevent up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of temperature increase by 2100. This would make a notable impact on achieving the global climate goals established by the Paris Agreement.
China’s strategy for HFC reduction is holistic. The country has integrated HFCs into its regulatory structure, with new regulations coming into effect on March 1, 2024, laying a firm legal groundwork for controlling and diminishing HFC emissions. Furthermore, China is developing detailed plans to meet its responsibilities under the Montreal Protocol, establishing clear timelines and policy measures to improve HFC lifecycle management.
A rigorous quota and licensing management system has also been instituted to regulate the total volume of HFCs. Additionally, China has stepped up oversight of HFC imports and exports, actively working against illegal trade to bolster global climate governance. The country has enhanced daily monitoring and conducted specific enforcement initiatives to create a strong environment for compliance, continually enhancing its regulatory frameworks.
Moreover, China is focusing on technological innovations, especially in research and development of alternatives to HFCs in sectors such as automotive and home appliances. The government actively promotes the use of natural refrigerants, encouraging industrial upgrades and fostering high-quality development.
In summary, China has made noteworthy strides in meeting its obligations under the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, reflecting its role as a responsible global leader. The nation is devoted to further enhancing regulations and scientific research while promoting green and low-carbon development in collaboration with the international community to tackle global climate challenges.
For more: World Ozone Day 2024: Advancing climate action.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
Since becoming a party to the Montreal Protocol in 1991, China has successfully eliminated 628,000 tonnes of ozone-depleting substances, representing over half of the total reduction achieved by developing nations. This effort has resulted in avoiding the equivalent of more than 26 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions over the years, significantly aiding in both the recovery of the ozone layer and the global fight against climate change.
In October 2016, the Kigali Amendment was adopted by participants of the Montreal Protocol to regulate and mitigate HFCs, which are potent greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. China formally accepted this amendment in April 2021, marking an important step in its dual initiative to protect the ozone layer while simultaneously addressing climate change within the framework of the Montreal Protocol.
Scientific evaluations indicate that compliance with the Kigali Amendment’s guidelines could prevent up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of temperature increase by 2100. This would make a notable impact on achieving the global climate goals established by the Paris Agreement.
China’s strategy for HFC reduction is holistic. The country has integrated HFCs into its regulatory structure, with new regulations coming into effect on March 1, 2024, laying a firm legal groundwork for controlling and diminishing HFC emissions. Furthermore, China is developing detailed plans to meet its responsibilities under the Montreal Protocol, establishing clear timelines and policy measures to improve HFC lifecycle management.
A rigorous quota and licensing management system has also been instituted to regulate the total volume of HFCs. Additionally, China has stepped up oversight of HFC imports and exports, actively working against illegal trade to bolster global climate governance. The country has enhanced daily monitoring and conducted specific enforcement initiatives to create a strong environment for compliance, continually enhancing its regulatory frameworks.
Moreover, China is focusing on technological innovations, especially in research and development of alternatives to HFCs in sectors such as automotive and home appliances. The government actively promotes the use of natural refrigerants, encouraging industrial upgrades and fostering high-quality development.
In summary, China has made noteworthy strides in meeting its obligations under the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, reflecting its role as a responsible global leader. The nation is devoted to further enhancing regulations and scientific research while promoting green and low-carbon development in collaboration with the international community to tackle global climate challenges.
For more: World Ozone Day 2024: Advancing climate action.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
