Friday, February 24, 2012

Delilah Kelly: CFC Substitutes: Good for the Ozone Layer, Bad for Climate?


    Over the course of time we have heard about all of the detrimental effects that gases present to the depletion of the ozone layer. One of the more common terms is known as chlorofluorocarbons, also known as CFC’s. These gases have caused our ozone to deplete at rapid levels. Throughout the years scientists have provided us with a substitute for CFC’s known as hydrofluorocarbons, HFC’s. The substitute serves as cooling agents in our environments; it does not contain chlorine nor does in deplete the stratospheric ozone layer. Despite the advantages of this substitute it is still very detrimental to the perseverance of our ozone layer due to its longevity within our atmosphere. One of the most influential programs established to help us become more environmentally aware is the Montreal Protocol. It has worked towards the reduction in emission of gases and ozone killers and with its continuation scientists predict a drastic disappearance in the dangerous gases.

    Our society has been implementing programs towards a GREEN movement in efforts to reduce the amounts of unfriendly gases depleting our ozone and causing a rise in temperatures and destruction of habitats. We should all challenge ourselves to become more environmentally aware in the continuance of advocating for technology and scientific advances in helping to save our environment.

G. J. M. Velders, A. R. Ravishankara, M. K. Miller, M. J. Molina, J. Alcamo, J. S. Daniel, D. W. Fahey, S. A. Montzka, S. Reimann. Preserving Montreal Protocol Climate Benefits by Limiting HFCs. Science, 2012; 335 (6071): 922 DOI: 10.1126/science.1216414

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