The large contribution of projected HFC emissions to future climate forcing

Abstract

Strong growth is projected to occur through 2050 in the global demand for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The global phaseout of CFCs, halons, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) will leave much of the application demand for refrigeration, air conditioning, heating and thermal-insulating foam production to be met by HFCs. The demand for HFCs is therefore expected to increase globally, but especially in the developing world (mainly Asia), in the absence of new regulations. The HFC consumption and emissions in developing countries are projected to be as much as 800% greater than in developed countries in 2050.