Refrigerants and Climate

CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs and other refrigerants are powerful global warming gases, up to 11,000 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2). Despite success of the Montreal Protocol in phasing out production of the most harmful gases, a large amount of refrigerants– produced prior to phase-out deadlines — remain in equipment, products, building infrastructure, and other inventories around the world. Collectively, these refrigerants pose a threat not only to the ozone layer but to the climate system as well.  Without proper containment, management and other end-of-life solutions, eventually these refrigerants will be emitted into the atmosphere, effectively cancelling out other climate protection efforts happening around the world.

If current trends continue, by 2050, up to one-quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions could be from refrigerants.  The growing global impact of refrigerants underscores the urgency of EOS’ work, and our commitment to leading innovation in refrigerant management.

As the U.S. and international leaders take action, the profile of refrigerants as harmful greenhouse gases will continue to rise.