Civil Society Urges Increased Funding to Implement Kigali Amendment

Civil society organisations have urged countries to increase funding, strengthen enforcement, and accelerate efforts to reduce hydrofluorocarbons emissions. The call was made at the 38th Meeting of the Parties on behalf of 13 organisations from seven countries. The Centre for Environment Justice and Development delivered a joint statement, warning that emerging environmental threats could undermine gains made under the Montreal Protocol. The organisations emphasised the need for adequate financing, effective enforcement, and faster cuts to hydrofluorocarbons.

The Montreal Protocol, ratified by every country, is considered one of the most successful environmental treaties. The ozone layer is on the path to recovery, and the Kigali Amendment aims to reduce hydrofluorocarbons emissions. Full implementation of the amendment is expected to avoid up to 0.5°C of warming by 2100. However, the statement warned of emerging threats, including rising nitrous oxide emissions and fluorochemical production emissions. These threats could endanger the ozone and climate legacy of the Montreal Protocol.

In Kenya, researchers have found PFAS, known as "forever chemicals", in the water, sediment, and plants of the Nairobi River. The Centre for Environment Justice and Development's Executive Director, Griffins Ochieng', stated that these threats are invisible but their harm is not. He emphasised that African countries need financing to match their ambition to implement the Kigali Amendment. Illegal and mislabeled refrigerants put technicians at risk, and inefficient second-hand equipment drives up emissions and electricity bills.

Demand for cooling across Africa is rising due to heat and rapid urbanization. A 2020 study found widespread dumping of low-efficiency air conditioners using obsolete refrigerants across 10 African markets, including Kenya. The African Group has proposed tools to combat illegal trade, effective licensing systems, and training for customs and ozone officers. The proposal aims to address the issue of illegal refrigerants and promote environmentally sound lifecycle management of refrigerants.

The civil society organisations prioritised action areas, including adequate and predictable replenishment of the Multilateral Fund for 2027-2029. They also called for strong measures on licensing systems and illegal trade, enhanced monitoring, reporting, and compliance, and targeted support for technicians and customs officers. The organisations emphasised the need for action on emerging threats, including nitrous oxide and PFAS pollution.

The Kigali Amendment was agreed upon in Rwanda ten years ago, and Africa needs financing to match its ambition to implement the amendment. The continent has shown leadership in hosting talks that produced the Kigali Amendment and proposing concrete action against illegal trade. The civil society organisations urged countries to turn their commitments into adequate financing, effective enforcement, and faster cuts to hydrofluorocarbons.

The implementation of the Kigali Amendment requires cooperation and commitment from countries. The Montreal Protocol has been successful due to its ratification by every country in the world. The civil society organisations' call for increased funding and action on emerging threats aims to ensure the continued success of the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment.

Key points

• Civil society organisations urge countries to increase funding to implement the Kigali Amendment.
• Emerging environmental threats could undermine gains made under the Montreal Protocol.
• Africa needs financing to match its ambition to implement the Kigali Amendment.