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RAS question

The Kigali Amendment (2016) to the Montreal Protocol primarily aims to phase down which substances?

Correct answer: (C) Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol primarily aims to phase down hydrofluorocarbons, commonly known as HFCs.

  1. (A)

    Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

  2. (B)

    Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

  3. (C)

    Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

  4. (D)

    Sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆)

Explanation

The 2016 Kigali Amendment is an extension of the Montreal Protocol framework, but its specific target is not the older ozone-depleting gases in the options. The PIB release states that, under the Kigali Amendment, parties to the Montreal Protocol will phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons, commonly known as HFCs. HFCs do not deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, but they have high global warming potential and therefore matter for climate policy. The amendment added HFCs to the list of controlled substances and set a gradual reduction path, while India’s position is also relevant because India ratified the amendment in 2021.

Why the other options are wrong

  • (A) Carbon dioxide is not the substance identified by the Kigali Amendment in the PIB release; the amendment targets HFC production and consumption.
  • (B) Chlorofluorocarbons are not the substance identified for phase-down under the Kigali Amendment; the PIB release names hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs.
  • (D) Sulphur hexafluoride is not named as the Kigali Amendment target by PIB; PIB identifies hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, as the controlled substances to be phased down.

Concept

This tests the Environment and Ecology syllabus concept of matching international environmental agreements with their target substances. It recurs in RAS-style MCQs because a small wording shift from the Montreal Protocol to the Kigali Amendment changes the substance being asked about.

Source

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