Global warming and the oceans: the CFC threat

CFCs or chlorofluorocarbons are gases which are extremely pose great danger to the layer of ozone that protects the earth from ultraviolet radiation. Huge quantities of these chemical compounds (especially CFC-11) have been produced as a result of human activity in the last decades.

Considering that most of these substances were, up to now, mainly absorbed by the oceans, researchers at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) are greatly concerned about the dangerous and imminent approach of the oceans’ saturation point.

The worrying threat of CFCs from the oceans

Data gathered by scientists is quite clear: the oceans risk being transformed from CFC recycling pools into storage sites ready to release those substances back into the atmosphere. Currently, it is no longer a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ this event will happen.

According to predictions, it is estimated that the oceans will reach their maximum saturation point in the year 2075 and, as early as 2145, CFC-11 emissions from the oceans will be detectable using current measuring methods. The figures produced by the various models used to calculate these forecasts could however be over optimistic.

Global warming may in fact play a vital role in accelerating the saturation process. A colder ocean has a greater CFC absorption capacity and the increase in temperatures caused by manmade pollution risks this capacity being considerably reduced.

According to the latest simulations, researchers warn that if precautions are not taken very soon, the seas could start to release significant quantities of CFC-11 into the atmosphere as soon as 2130.

The impact of CFC-11 on ozone

Once they reach the stratosphere, chlorofluorocarbons (especially CFC-11) start chain reactions which result in damage to the precious ozone layer.

Without this gas to protect the earth, ultraviolet radiation from the sun is too intense and becomes extremely hazardous to any form of life present on the earth’s surface.

This is why the Montreal Protocol was created. It is a treaty ratified by most industrialised countries, designed to reduce emissions of substances which pose a threat to the ozone layer. This document has been fundamental, especially in the gradual elimination of CFC-11 from human activity.

In the past, chlorofluorocarbons were widely used in air conditioning and the production of insulation foam or refrigerants but, thanks to their ban from commercial production and use, which began in 2010, they have now almost disappeared.

This ‘respite’ in the use of CFCs has allowed the oceans to reabsorb a large proportion of the emissions produced by man. In any case, as mentioned above, the oceans will soon reach their limit and instead of being a precious ally, will themselves become a source of harmful emissions.

Steps to limit the damage

This discovery by MIT researchers may turn out to be extremely useful, as it enables governments around the world to find solutions (where possible) aimed at tackling the problem. It should be pointed out however, that in order to limit the increase in global temperatures, immediate counter-measures combined with more drastic action will be required.

The planet’s ecosystem is currently in great distress and the Montreal protocol alone might not be sufficient. There are also too many nations that do not respect the agreed measures, by delaying the abolition of certain products or showing total disregard for the restrictions imposed.

So, it will take a greater effort to eliminate CFCs and all other pollutants that threaten the delicate ecosystem in which we live, once and for all. Without international collaboration, the risk is that climate change and its consequences will get even worse.

Translated by Joanne Beckwith