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Climate Science Glossary
Return to glossary listHalocarbons
Also: halocarbons, Chlorofluorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, Hydrofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, CFC, HCFC, HFC
Halocarbons (CFCs/HFCs)
Halocarbons are the family of partially halogenated organic compounds, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). They are used mainly as refrigerants (fridges & air conditioners).
CFCs and HCFCs created a hole in the ozone layer, so their use was phased out under the Montreal Protocol, though they still linger in the atmosphere. HFCs do not harm the ozone layer but still contribute to global warming.
According to the AGGI, halocarbons contribute 11% of the human-caused greenhouse effect, mostly due to CFC-12 and CFC-11.
All IPCC definitions taken from Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Working Group I Contribution to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Annex I, Glossary, pp. 941-954. Cambridge University Press.
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