Читать книгу How Can I Stop Climate Change: What is it and how to help - Литагент HarperCollins USD, F. M. L. Thompson - Страница 55

CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) and HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) – a group of greenhouse gases collectively known as halocarbons – have been building up in the atmosphere as a result of industrial processes. For many years CFCs were used in aerosol sprays and fridges. But scientists realised that these gases were damaging the Earth’s ozone layer – which blocks out harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Public opinion and environmental campaigners helped persuade politicians to phase out CFCs. Although some of the gases used to replace them (HFCs and HCFCs) are also greenhouse gases, they are responsible for less than 3 per cent of global warming.

Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas

Each greenhouse gas has a different capacity to cause global warming. This, combined with the actual amounts in the atmosphere, gives the ‘global warming potential’ – shown in this case for the next 100 years. Carbon dioxide is the main culprit, followed by methane. Source: Met Office Hadley Centre