Governments to Phase-out HCFCs; Benefits to Ozone and Combatting CG

Delegates from 190 countries plus the European Commission have agreed to accelerate the freeze and phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chemicals that were used to replace the more ozone-damaging chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The decision, made at the 19th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, follows mounting evidence that HCFCs contribute to global warming.
The agreement freezes production of HCFCs in 2013 at the average production levels in 2009-2010 and brings forward the final phase-out date by ten years. Developed countries will reduce production and consumption by 75% by 2010 and by 90% by 2015—final phase out is in 2020. Developing countries will reduce production and consumption by 10% by 2015, by 35% by 2020 and by 67.5% by 2025—final phase-out is in 2030.

It was also agreed that a small percentage of the original base line amounting to 2.5% will be allowed in developing countries during the period 2030-2040 for “servicing” purposes. Essentially this means that some equipment, coming towards the end of its life such as office block air conditioning units, could continue to run on HCFCs for a few more years if needed.

HCFCs emerged as replacement chemicals in the 1990s for use in air conditioning, some forms of refrigeration equipment, and foams following an earlier decision to phase-out the older and more ozone-damaging CFCs. The accelerated freeze and phase-out may also assist in restoring the stratospheric ozone layer.

HCFCs, which also damage the ozone layer but less than CFCs, were always planned as interim substitutes and were due to be phased out in 2030 by developed countries and in 2040 by developing ones.

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