CFC-11, a chlorofluorocarbon that was phased out in 2010 around the world due to its dangerous ozone damaging properties, has recently seen a spike in emissions.
Scientists have been monitoring levels of CFC-11 in the atmosphere since it was discovered that these chemicals break down our ozone layer. A hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica and another over the northern hemisphere was discovered in the 1980s and since the ban on CFCs came in, their levels of depletion have been carefully monitored.
Due to the ban, it’s estimated that the ozone hole over Antarctica could be fully fixed by the 2060s, the BBC noted, while the one over the northern hemisphere could be repaired by the 2030s.
Recently, however, a spike in CFC-11 emissions was recorded and by using their network of international monitoring stations, scientists have been able to trace the source.
The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) narrowed down their search for the source to East Asia, and did further investigatory work in China in 2018. They have now found that the banned substance was being used by firms in eastern China to create polyurethane insulation.
The researchers estimate that 40 to 60 per cent of the increase in CFC-11 emissions they’ve recorded is coming from this region of China.
Speaking to the news provider, Clare Perry from the EIA said that the only solution is to ensure the production of CFC-11 stops completely. “Unless the production of the chemical is shut down, it will be near impossible to end the use and emissions in the foam companies,” she asserted.
With the narrative around the climate crisis facing the planet shifting, there is likely to be more pressure for China to act. But it isn’t only CFCs that cause damage to our atmosphere. The Independent recently reported on a new satellite system that’s being launched to monitor emissions from the world’s large power stations in real time and share the information publicly.
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