What are HCFCs and how can they be eliminated?
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are a group of chemicals used mainly as coolants in refrigerators and air conditioners and to make insulating foams and other products. They are being used as temporary substitutes for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ODSs that are even more dangerous to the ozone and climate, and were intended to be replaced once superior substitutes became available. In addition to warming the planet, HCFCs damage the ozone layer. As a result, they are regulated by the Montreal Protocol. Under the Montreal Protocol, HCFCs are scheduled for phase-out by 2030 in developed countries (with 99.5% phased out by 2020) and 2040 in developing countries (with HCFC use frozen in 2016 at 2015 levels). HCFC use is increasing dramatically in developing countries. Without immediate action, it will reach dangerous levels by 2016, the current date for freezing HCFC use. This will delay recovery of the ozone layer and contribute to further climate change. Argentina and Brazil and o
