India has moved to curb two potent climate‑active gases – Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and Methane. The government’s latest directive aligns the country with its international commitments under the Kigali Amendment and the historic Montreal Protocol. Understanding these steps is essential for UPSC aspirants, especially for GS2 (International Relations) and GS3 (Environment) papers.
Key Developments
- 31 Dec 2027: No new environmental clearances for HFC production or expansion after this date.
- 1 Jan 2028: Freeze date; all HFC production must adhere to the phase‑down schedule.
- Phase‑down targets: 10 % reduction by 2032 and 85 % reduction by 2047, matching India’s Group 2 commitments under the Kigali Amendment.
- India’s Group 2 peers include Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE; the group must cut HFC use by 80 % by 2047.
- Global initiatives on methane: Global Methane Pledge (30 % cut by 2030) and the Declaration on Reducing Methane from Organic Waste (adopted at COP29).
Important Facts
The Ozone‑depleting substances (ODS) were phased out under the Montreal Protocol, with a complete ban on CFCs by 2010. HFCs were introduced as ODS‑friendly replacements, but they possess a Global Warming Potential (GWP) up to 2,500 times that of CO₂. The Kigali Amendment aims to eliminate 80‑90 % of HFCs by 2050, averting up to 0.5 °C of global warming by 2100.
Methane contributes roughly 17 % of total greenhouse‑gas emissions. Although it persists for only about 12 years in the atmosphere, its 20‑year GWP is about 80 times that of CO₂, accounting for over 30 % of post‑industrial temperature rise. Major anthropogenic sources are agriculture (≈ 40 %), fossil‑fuel operations (≈ 35 %) and waste management (≈ 20 %).
Exam Relevance
These topics intersect multiple GS papers: GS‑2 (international environmental treaties, group‑wise commitments), GS‑3 (climate change, greenhouse gases, mitigation strategies), and GS‑4 (ethical implications of industrial practices). Aspirants should be able to:
- Identify the treaty hierarchy – Montreal Protocol → Kigali Amendment.
- Recall India’s specific phase‑down schedule and its Group 2 peers.
- Explain why HFCs, despite being ozone‑friendly, are climate‑dangerous.
- Link methane’s short atmospheric life with its high GWP and policy responses like the Global Methane Pledge.
Way Forward
For exam preparation, focus on memorising key dates (31 Dec 2027, 1 Jan 2028), reduction targets (10 % by 2032, 85 % by 2047), and the distinction between ODS and HFCs. Practice MCQs on treaty‑wise obligations and compare India’s timeline with that of the United States (2034) and China (2045). Keep an eye on emerging reports from UNEP and COP outcomes, as they often generate fresh UPSC questions on climate‑policy implementation.