An international group of scientists has identified eastern China as the main source of rogue emissions of a harmful gas, CFC-11, that is depleting the ozone layer. These findings confirm suspicions voiced by various experts, conservation organizations, and policymakers following a preliminary investigation conducted last year. The initial study had traced the origins of these alarming global emissions to East Asia, without pinpointing a precise location. Prior research also indicated that factories in Shandong, China, continue to produce and utilize CFC-11 in the manufacture of foam insulation.
CFC-11: A Threat to the Ozone Layer
CFC-11, more formally known as trichlorofluoromethane, belongs to the chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) chemical family, first developed in the 1930s for use in refrigeration. Only decades later did scientists uncover the destructive potential of these compounds. When CFCs break down in the atmosphere, they release chlorine atoms capable of quickly decimating the ozone layer, our natural shield against harmful ultraviolet (UV) light.
High levels of certain types of UV radiation can trigger skin cancer and eye damage in humans, in addition to harming crops and other plants. The discovery of a vast hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica in the mid-1980s led to international concern and action.
The Montreal Protocol and its Aftermath
In response to the ozone layer problem, nations united in 1987 to draft the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement aimed at protecting the ozone layer. This treaty effectively banned the use of chlorofluorocarbons for nearly all applications. After implementation, the worldwide concentration of CFC-11 began declining consistently until around 2012. However, this rate of decrease was halved between 2013 and 2017.
| Year | Global Concentration of CFC-11 |
|---|---|
| Before 2013 | Declining consistently |
| 2013 to 2017 | Rate of decline dropped by 50% |
CFC-11 and Climate Change
The risk posed by CFC-11 not only lies in its potential to damage the ozone layer, but also its contribution to global warming. A single tonne of CFC-11 is as harmful as about 5,000 tonnes of CO2, exacerbating the accelerating decline in the ozone layer and contributing to the rise in the Earth’s overall temperature.
Need for Action in China
In light of these findings, there is an urgent necessity for China to take measures against the manufacturing and use of this hazardous gas. Implementation of strict regulations and monitoring mechanisms, alongside increased public awareness campaigns, can curb the production and use of CFC-11, aiding in the recovery of our damaged ozone layer and mitigating the effects of climate change.