A major event happened this past week that perhaps most people aren’t aware of, and yet may turn out to be one of the biggest events for mankind’s future. Representatives from nearly 200 member countries have agreed to slash greenhouse gas emissions at a summit in Rwanda via the Montreal Protocol, which mean lead to a huge reduction of 0.5 degrees Celsius (0.9 degrees Fahrenheit) in global warming by the end of this century.

Specifically, the deal aims to reduce hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which once upon a time were seen as a “green” alternative to things used in refrigeration and air conditioning that were thought to be causing a hole in the ozone layer. But HFCs have proven to be quite harmful by contributing to the greenhouse effect, so by reducing the output of this substance, mankind may be taking a giant step toward tackling the problem of global warming.

Of course, it won’t be enough, but it’s a major step forward to more seriously dealing with a growing threat, experts believe.

“It is not often you get a chance to have a 0.5-degree centigrade reduction by taking one single step together as countries — each doing different things perhaps at different times, but getting the job done,” said U.S. Secretary of State Kerry in a speech Friday, as quoted by CNN.