Q. Consider the following statements about Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs):
1. HFCs are both synthetic and natural.
2. India will complete its phase-down of HFCs by 2032.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
About HFCs
HFCs are entirely man-made. They are primarily produced for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, insulating foams and aerosol propellants, with minor uses as solvents and for fire protection.
HFCs were developed to replace stratospheric ozone-depleting substances (ODS) that are currently being phased out under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
Though HFCs do not impact the ozone layer, many HFCs are very powerful greenhouse gases, and a substantial number are short-lived climate pollutants with a lifetime of between 15 and 29 years in the atmosphere.
Implementation strategy of India to phase out HFCs: Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules will be amended to allow appropriate control of the production and consumption of Hydrofluorocarbons to ensure compliance with the Kigali Amendment will be done by mid-2024.
India will complete its phase-down of HFCs in four steps from 2032 onwards with a cumulative reduction of 10% in 2032, 20% in 2037, 30% in 2042 and 80% in 2047.
Source: EPIC August 2021
