What is the primary environmental concern associated with HFCs?

The primary environmental concern associated with HFCs, or hydrofluorocarbons, is global warming. These compounds are significantly more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere, with some HFCs having a global warming potential thousands of times greater than CO2. As HFCs are released into the atmosphere, they contribute to an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations, which exacerbates climate change.

Unlike ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs, HFCs do not have a direct impact on the ozone layer; however, their effects on global warming are a major environmental issue. It is crucial to understand that this aspect of HFCs has led to international agreements aiming to phase down their use, like the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Addressing the use and emission of HFCs plays a significant role in current climate action strategies to mitigate global warming.