October 15

On October 15, 2016, delegates from 197 countries convened in Kigali to adopt a groundbreaking amendment to the Montreal Protocol, targeting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) - potent greenhouse gases widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning. The agreement laid out a staggered schedule for both developed and developing nations to reduce and eventually eliminate HFC production and consumption. Hailed as one of the most effective climate actions since the Paris Agreement, the amendment built on decades of ozone layer protection successes. Economists and environmentalists praised the deal for its cost-effectiveness and potential to avoid up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of global warming by the end of the century. Implementation began swiftly, with governments and industries collaborating on alternative, climate-friendly technologies. This landmark decision underscored the power of international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.