HCFC: time is running out

HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) are a class of ozone-depleting chemicals. They are widely used in the refrigeration, foam, solvent, aerosol and fire fighting sectors as a transitional substance to substitute CFCs. HCFCs are also used as feedstock (raw material) in the production for other chemical products.

Although their ozone-depleting potential is less than that of CFCs, their global warming potential is quite high. Developed countries are already reducing their consumption of HCFCs to meet their phaseout obligations under the Montreal Protocol and its adjustments and amendments, which call for a 90% reduction from baseline by 2015.

For Article 5 countries, the cap on HCFC consumption does not take effect until 2013. Global consumption of HCFCs is projected to increase by over 20% in the decade ending in 2015 because of the rapidly increasing consumption of HCFCs in these countries.

The schedule for Article 5 (developing) country phase-out for production and consumption of HCFCs is:

The schedule for non-Article 5 (developed) country phase-out for production and consumption of HCFCs is:

_{Source: UNEP – United Nation Environment Program}