Recently, over 200 nations have formally agreed to limit and eventually entirely ban the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). This represents a huge step towards a greener earth, since HFCs are a major greenhouse gas that are rapidly growing in use.
Commonly used in cooling technologies, notably air conditioners and refrigerators, these chemicals are increasing in use by (at moderate estimates) 10% each year. This increase is primarily due to third world advancement, where such technologies, offered for low prices, are in high demand. HFCs also pose approximately 1000 times more of a threat than CO2, since HFCs trap that much more heat in the same volume as CO2.
So why does this mark such a huge step? Because the amendment to the Montreal Protocol, a 1980 era environmental document ratified by these 200 nations, is so succinct and direct. It specifically targets and prohibits HFCs in a nonnegotiable way, offering proper punishment for noncompliance and being extremely easy to enforce. The recent Paris Summit, less than a year ago, is what pushed this into effect, although it has taken this long to be fully ratified. The limitation of HFCs will begin in 2019 because legislation is a time-consuming process. Less developed nations will begin their limitation in 2024, with the rest of the world finally abiding in 2028. HFC use is expected to reduce by 85% by 2047, with the reduction being equal to removing 70 billion tons of CO2 from the environment, a huge reduction and quite a win for environmentalists.
HFCs are such a major problem in the world, ironically, because of the original Montreal Protocol. Formally ratified in 1987, it banned chlorofluorocarbons, used in hairsprays, and offered HFCs as an alternative use in some aspects. Though they don’t exist in hairspray, HFCs are just as dangerous. There are many alternative options for air conditioners, such as hydrocarbon-based coolants, already in use by many ice cream companies and in research by countless appliance-makers.
This major amendment looks to slow global warming by .44 degrees Celsius, marking the greatest expected change from a single legislation ever. Will this legislation work to improve the quality of our air? Well, in much of Europe, similar laws were passed this year, but have seen little to no compliance. We can only hope this document is thorough enough to allow for real change.
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