TNPSC Current Affairs 2017 March 9 for Group 1 and Group 2 Mains.

India launched the second stage of its plan to phase out Hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)

India launched the second stage of its plan to phase out Hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), greenhouse gases by switching over to non-ozone depleting and low global warming potential technologies.

India Successfully completed the first phase of HCFC Phase-out Management Plans (HPMPs), between 2012-2015 for phasing out of HCFC’s in consumption sector. 

It has achieved reduction of 10 Per cent of using HCFCs and complete phase out of HCFCs by 2030.

Background:

• Montreal Protocol is an international Agreement, which is ratified by 197 countries to gradually eliminate production and consumption of Ozone Depleting substances (ODS) to limit the damage of Ozone Layer.
• It also aims at phase out HCFCs by 2030. India ratified it on 1992. It has been recognized as the most successful international Environmental treaty
• The treaty has led to phase out globally the production and consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) such as Hydro chlorofluorocarbans (HCFCs), Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Carbon tetrachloride (CTC) and Halons.
• The Montreal protocol has not only resulted in protecting ozone layer but also helps in significant reduction of Greenhouse Gas emissions.

HFCs Effect and Kigali Agreement:

• HFCs (Hydro fluorocarbons) has been introduced in place of ODCs and worked as an alternative for Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),HCFCs 
• HFCs are now used in Air conditioner and Refrigerators. HFCs doesn’t deplete Ozone layer but it is noticed that it possess great greenhouse gas effect and contribute to global warming. It is about 12,000 times more than CO2(Carbondioxide), CH4(Methane). 
• To reduce the production and consumption of HFCs, World countries came together and adopted an agreement to phase down HFCs.
• 197 countries were ratified the Agreement to limit Global Warming on October 15 2016, in Kigali , Rwanda.
• AS per the agreement, countries have to cut down the production and consumption of HFCs by 80% by next 30 years. 
• As per the Agreement Developed nation will reduce consumption from 2019 and the developing countries will freeze consumption by 2024 and other countries with unique circumstances will freeze in 2028.
• India will will Freeze it in 2028