A renewed rise in global HCFC-141b emissions between 2017-2021

Global emissions of the ozone-depleting gas HCFC-141b (1,1-dichloro- 1-fluoroethane, CH3CCl2F) derived from measurements of atmospheric mole fractions increased between 2017 and 2021 despite a fall in reported production and consumption of HCFC-141b for dispersive uses. HCFC-141b is a controlled substance under the Montreal Protocol, and its phase-out is currently underway, after a peak in reported consumption and production in developing (Article 5) countries in 2013. If reported production and consumption are correct, our study suggests that the 2017-2021 rise is due to an increase in emissions from the bank when appliances containing HCFC-141b reach the end of their life, or from production of HCFC-141b not reported for dispersive uses. Regional emissions have been estimated between 2017-2020 for all regions where measurements have sufficient sensitivity to emissions. This includes the regions of northwestern Europe, east Asia, the United States and Australia, where emissions decreased by a total of 2.3 +/- 4.6 Gg yr(-1), compared to a mean global increase of 3.0 +/- 1.2 Gg yr(-1) over the same period. Collectively these regions only account for around 30 % of global emissions in 2020. We are not able to pinpoint the source regions or specific activities responsible for the recent global emission rise.

Automated summary

Despite a decrease in reported production and consumption, global emissions of the ozone-depleting gas HCFC-141b have increased from 2017 to 2021. The study suggests that this rise may be attributed to emissions from the disposal of appliances containing HCFC-141b or unreported production for dispersive uses.