Explanation: The Montreal Protocol is a most effective international environmental treaty to phase out the Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) from the atmosphere. It came into force in 1989. It has 197 member parties to the protocol and has become the first international treaty with complete ratification.

• It has successfully curbed 98% production of chlorofluorocarbons and other ODSs and significantly contributed to the repair of the ozone hole.
• Kigali Agreement: It has undergone several amendments and Kigali amendment is the eighth amendment to this protocol. In the 28th meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, negotiators from 197 nations have signed a historic agreement to amend the Montreal Protocol in Kigali, a capital city of a tiny African country, Rwanda on 15th October 2016.
• As per the agreement, these countries are expected to reduce the manufacture and use of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by roughly 80-85% from their respective baselines, till 2045.
• This phase down is expected to arrest the global average temperature rise up to 0.5 degree Celsius by 2100.
• India joins the nations of the world in lauding the Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, agreed to at the 28th Meeting of Parties at Kigali, Rwanda. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is legally binding and will come into force from January 1, 2019.
• The Kigali Agreement upholds the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR & RC).

Source: FORUMIAS