Preserving Montreal Protocol Climate Benefits by Limiting HFCs

摘要

The Montreal Protocol is perhaps the most successful international envi ronmental treaty, responsible for global phaseout of the consumption and production of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs), e.g., chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which do not destroy stratospheric ozone, were consid ered long-term substitutes for ODSs and are not controlled by the Montreal Proto col. Because most HFCs are potent green house gases (GHGs), they are included in the Kyoto Protocol. But climate benefits provided by this protocol are limited as they apply only to developed countries and over a short time (2008-2012).