Why must HFCs with a GWP above a specified level be replaced?

HFCs, or hydrofluorocarbons, are substances that have a high global warming potential (GWP), meaning that their contribution to climate change is significant when released into the atmosphere. The specific regulation in the EU aims to mitigate climate change by encouraging the phasedown of HFCs with high GWPs. This is done in recognition of their potential to trap heat in the atmosphere, which exacerbates global warming.

As a result, the decision to replace HFCs with lower-GWP alternatives aligns with environmental goals and regulatory frameworks designed to lessen the impact of refrigerants on climate change. This is part of broader efforts—such as the European F-Gas Regulation—that focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting more environmentally sustainable refrigerant practices.

The other options do not capture the primary reason for the replacement of HFCs with a high GWP. For instance, HFCs may not be more cost-effective than low-GWP alternatives in the long run, and they do not significantly deplete the ozone layer, as they do not contain chlorine or bromine, which are the main culprits in ozone depletion. Moreover, while HFCs could be considered for long-term storage due to their stability, this characteristic does not justify