On April 2, 2025, the Ozone Layer Protection (Amendment) Bill 2024 was passed in LegCo. The bill aims to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons ("HFCs") to protect the ozone layer and combat climate change.
This article was generated using SAMS, an AI technology by Timothy Loh LLP.
SPOTLIGHT ON
FAMILY OFFICES
On April 2, 2025, the Ozone Layer Protection (Amendment) Bill 2024 was passed in LegCo. The bill aims to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons ("HFCs") to protect the ozone layer and combat climate change.
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer has the primary objective of protecting the Earth's ozone layer by reducing the consumption and production of HFCs.
The Kigali Amendment includes provisions for the phasedown of HFCs, requiring each signatory country to gradually reduce the production and consumption of these potent greenhouse gases over time.
Countries are required to set a baseline year for HFC production and consumption and gradually reduce the amount of HFCs produced and consumed, ensuring a steady reduction in HFC emissions over time.
The Kigali Amendment establishes phasedown schedules for different groups of HFCs based on their global warming potential ("GWP"), with more potent HFCs being phased down more quickly.
Flexibility is allowed in implementation, such as the use of exemptions and special allowances for developing countries, who can delay the phasedown of HFCs depending on their economic and technological capabilities.
Countries are required to submit regular reports on their progress in implementing the phasedown measures, including data on the production, consumption, and import/export of HFCs.
Financial assistance is provided through the Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund to support developing countries in their efforts to transition away from HFCs.
The Kigali Amendment encourages cooperation and assistance in the transfer of technology and the provision of capacity-building support to developing countries, including information, training, and technical assistance.
The Kigali Amendment is legally binding and requires countries to take action to implement the phasedown measures by translating the provisions into national laws and regulations.
Regular reviews of the Kigali Amendment's effectiveness are conducted, and provisions are included for amending the control measures in light of new scientific information or changes in technology.
View the full article:Source
