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Posted 14 Jun 2024

2 min read

Key highlights of study

  • Impact of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) on Earth’s energy balance and globally averaged chlorine content of ODS in troposphere has decreased since 2021, five years earlier (2026) than expected.
    • HCFCs are compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, chlorine and fluorine.
  • HCFC-22, most abundant HCFC, has declined significantly. Its Global Warming Potential (GWP) is thousands of times more than carbon dioxide (CO2).
    • HCFC-22 is used as a refrigerant in air conditioners, cold storage, retail food refrigeration, etc.
  • Minor decline were observed in HCFC-141b, second most abundant HCFC.
    • HCFC-141b is used as a blowing agent in production of rigid polyurethane foams.
    • India has achieved complete phase-out of HCFC-141b under ODS (Regulation and Control) Amendment Rules, 2014. 
      • This is in line with India’s commitment under Montreal Protocol for Substances that Deplete Ozone Layer.

Montreal Protocol 

  • Signed in 1987, it is a global treaty to eliminate production and use of ODS
  • Implemented under Vienna Convention (adopted in 1985).
  • Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol was adopted in 2016 (and entered into force in 2019) to phase-down production and consumption of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). 
    • HFCs are non-ODS alternative to CFCs and HCFCs. HFC’s GWP is thousands of times more than CO2.

Ozone and Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS)

  • ODS are human-made chemicals containing chlorine and bromine (like Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HCFC).
    • They can reach stratosphere where they undergo catalytic reactions, further leading to destruction of ozone.
  • Stratospheric ozone (good Ozone) are found at 10-40 KM above Earth's surface, and protects Earth from UV radiation of Sun.
  • Ozone formed in Troposphere is harmful and is called ‘bad ozone’.
  • Tags :
  • Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
  • Montreal Protocol
  • Ozone-Depleting Substances
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