Countries around the world have agreed to limit emissions of key pollutants to check global warming. The deal has been sealed in Kigali, Rwanda, where leaders from various countries have converged to discuss environmental issues. The final agreement was announced on Saturday morning, following discussions about the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

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The elimination of key pollutants will take place through a gradual process starting in 2019. More than 100 developing countries will start the process form 2024. However, the concession has drawn criticisms from many who claim that the pace of change is too slow.

A small group of countries have been given even a later start date in 2028. The group comprises India, Pakistan, and a few Gulf states. These countries sought relaxation on the ground of their economies needing time to grow.

Countries such as the US, Japan, and Europe will start their program in 2019 while China will initiate the proceedings in 2024. It should be noted that almost all of HFC emissions are caused by western chemical companies. The use of air conditioning in rich countries is also a major reason behind the emissions.

At the very same time, the European Union has started the process of phasing out HFC gasses. In 2011, the EU banned the use of such gasses in cars.  Various corporate houses have also replaced fluorinated gasses with more environment-friendly natural gasses.

The Kigali Accord is an amendment of the Montreal Protocol, which was established in 1989 for the protection of the ozone layer. The protocol focused on eliminating the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which ultimately resulted in the higher use of HFCs.