1. Global warming potential

It is now well-established fact that CFCs play a fundamental role in the destruction of the earth's stratospheric ozone layer. The well-known effects of the ozone hole on plants, animals and man were reason enough to introduce nation-wide recycling of refrigerators and freezers in Germany in 1988.

For further information, please refer to:

• http://www.greenpeace.de/GP_DOK_30/KIDS/WOCHE/KW9715B1.HTM
• http://www.saevert.de/2ozon2.htm
• http://www.spiegel.de/druckversion/0,1588,78108,00.html
• http://www.oekorecherche.de/deutsch/o3.html

2. Global warming potential

Less well known - but no less dramatic - is the effect of CFCs on the greenhouse effect. It is scientifically established that the influence of CFCs on global warming is some 20,000 greater than that of carbon dioxide. The significance of CFCs in this area becomes immediately apparent when one learns that, despite the comparatively small amounts of CFCs in the atmosphere, about 22 % of the greenhouse effect can be attributed to these chemicals.

• A diagram illustrating the global warming potential of CFCs can be downloaded here.

• For further information, please refer to:
  http://www.mwschule.de/de/san/tyt/chemie/grundken.htm