Azerbaijan has ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, marking a significant commitment to reducing hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions. This move aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and protect the ozone layer.
Azerbaijan Joins the Kigali Amendment
Azerbaijan has officially ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, taking a crucial step in the global fight against climate change. This landmark amendment, adopted in 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda, specifically focuses on phasing down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and foam insulation.
Azerbaijan’s participation underscores its commitment to curbing HFC emissions, which can be thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. The country’s decision to ratify the amendment firmly aligns with international efforts to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, a key objective of the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The Kigali Amendment enhances the historic success of the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty celebrated for its role in healing the ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances. This amendment shifts the Protocol’s focus to include HFCs, which were often used as replacements for those substances. While not harmful to the ozone layer, their significant contribution to global warming makes them a critical target for climate action.
Global Impact of the Azerbaijan Kigali Amendment
The Kigali Amendment is one of the most significant single contributions to mitigating climate change, with scientists estimating it could prevent up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of global warming by the end of the century. By targeting HFCs, the amendment addresses one of the fastest-growing categories of greenhouse gas emissions. This global pact involves both developed and developing countries, which have agreed to a staggered phasedown of HFCs with specific timelines and reduction targets.
For Azerbaijan, ratifying the amendment means committing to a structured schedule for reducing HFC use, which will necessitate a transition to more environmentally friendly alternatives like hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), ammonia, or advanced CO2-based systems. This strategic shift is poised to deliver substantial environmental and economic benefits. By cutting HFC emissions, Azerbaijan will not only contribute to global climate goals but also stimulate innovation and attract investment in green technologies.
Furthermore, the Kigali Amendment presents a valuable opportunity for Azerbaijan to improve its national energy efficiency. As industries transition to next-generation cooling technologies, they often adopt systems that are inherently more energy-efficient. This can lead to reduced energy consumption and lower operational costs for businesses and consumers alike, while simultaneously creating skilled jobs in the emerging green economy.
Ratification Process and Implementation of the Azerbaijan Kigali Amendment
The ratification process was officially completed on October 14, 2025, when President Ilham Aliyev signed the law “On the Ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.” This presidential endorsement followed the necessary legislative approval by the Milli Majlis, Azerbaijan’s parliament.
With ratification complete, Azerbaijan will now focus on implementing the HFC phasedown according to the timelines and targets established by the amendment. This will require close collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international partners to ensure a smooth and effective transition to alternative technologies and practices.
Azerbaijan’s adoption of the Kigali Amendment is a significant component of its broader climate and environmental strategy. The country has been actively working to fulfill its international climate obligations, including its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Joining this global effort demonstrates a clear dedication to climate action and a readiness to take tangible steps to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
As the world continues to confront the escalating impacts of climate change, the Kigali Amendment stands out as a powerful and practical tool for limiting temperature rise. Azerbaijan’s ratification is a welcome development, highlighting the critical role of international cooperation in addressing the climate crisis and securing a sustainable planet for future generations.
