OCTOBER 19-20, 2012 - YMCA University of Science & Technology

Proceedings of the National Conference on
Trends and Advances in Mechanical Engineering,
YMCA University of Science & Technology, Faridabad, Haryana, Oct 19-20, 2012
Protocol states, "The Montreal Protocol is working: There is clear evidence of a decrease in the atmospheric
burden of ozone-depleting substances and some early signs of stratospheric ozone recovery." [17]
Effect
Unfortunately, the hydrochlorofluorocarbons, or HCFCs, and hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, are now thought to
contribute to anthropogenic global warming. On a molecule-for-molecule basis, these compounds are up to
10,000 times more potent greenhouse gases than carbon dioxide. The Montreal Protocol currently calls for a
complete phase-out of HCFCs by 2030, but does not place any restriction on HFCs. Since the CFCs themselves
are equally powerful greenhouse gases, the mere substitution of HFCs for CFCs does not significantly increase
the rate of anthropogenic global warming, but over time a steady increase in their use could increase the danger
that human activity will change the climate. [18]
Policy experts have advocated for increased efforts to link ozone protection efforts to climate protection
efforts. [19][20][21] Policy decisions in one arena affect the costs and effectiveness of environmental improvements
in the other.
Benefits of the CFC Phase-out
The CFC phase-out is already producing benefits for the environment, businesses, and individuals.
First, it can protect the Ozone Layer. The chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) phase-out is an important turning point in
the recovery of the ozone layer. Currently, we are experiencing depletion of approximately 5 percent at mid-
latitudes, but if no action had been taken to limit CFCs, ozone depletion at mid-latitudes would eventually have
reached 20 percent or more. Because of the phase-out, CFCs are no longer accumulating in the atmosphere at an
accelerating rate. Scientists predict that maximum CFC levels will occur before the turn of the century. If
international agreements are adhered to, the ozone layer is expected to recover around 2050.
Second, it can reduce Health Risks. The phase-out of CFCs is expected to have direct health benefits over the
next century, including reduced incidence of skin cancer and cataracts, decreased risks to human immune
systems, and increased protection of plant and animal life from excessive UV exposure. A United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) study shows that a sustained 1 percent decrease in stratospheric ozone will
result in about a 2 percent increase in the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer, which can be fatal. With the
successful phase-out of CFCs, however, EPA expects 295 million fewer cases of this form of skin cancer over
the next century.
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