Large contribution of HFC emissions to global warming expected

By 2050, the effect of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) on global warming will be as large as that of 14% of global CO2 emissions, in business-as-usual scenarios. HFCs are strong greenhouse gases, and are used more and more in refrigeration and air conditioning. HFCs are used as substitutes for ozone-depleting gases. Over the past decades, the reduction in ozone-depleting gases – which are also greenhouse gases – has limited the effects of global warming. The use of HFCs could significantly undo this effect.