What is Global Warming?

The Earth is surrounded by a thin layer of gases which form the atmosphere. The composition of our atmosphere distinguishes the Earth from other planets in our Solar System and creates the conditions which are necessary for diversity of life in our oceans and Earths’ surface.

Greenhouse Gases have the potential to increase Earths average temperature by trapping the heat that normally radiates back into space. High concentrations of Greenhouse Gases create the potential for Global Warming, ultimately changing the Earths’ climate.

The composition of these gases has altered over geological time with such changes usually taking thousands of years. Human intervention over the past 200 years has measurably altered this composition through the increased emission of Greenhouse Gases into our atmosphere.

Since pre-industrial times the three main Greenhouse gases have increased dramatically. Carbon Dioxide has increased by approximately 25%, Methane by 145%, Nitrous Oxide by 15%.  Global Warming Potentials are used to compare the impact on the climate system of emission of differing Greenhouse Gases.

The GWP index is relative to Carbon Dioxide (CO²) and a time horizon of 20-100 years. Synthetic Greenhouse Gases are classified and priced according to their Global Warming Potential.  ie. The Carbon Equivalent when released to the atmosphere, and their Estimated Atmospheric Life.

FACTS: Refrigerant HFC R410a has been the refrigerant of choice by most Airconditioning Manufacturers in the past 10 years following the decision to phase out HCFC R22 refrigerant, due to its’ high ODP and GWP.                                                                                    

1Kg of HFC R410a Synthetic Greenhouse Gas has the Carbon Equivalent of 2 tonnes when released to the atmosphere.

The common refrigerant gas HFC R134a which is found in most refrigerators, freezers and vehicle A/C systems has a GWP of 1300.

The phasing out of Ozone Depleting Substances (CFC’s and HCFC’s) means we are avoiding Greenhouse Gas emissions the equivalent of around 10 gigatonnes of CO² annually, as many ODP’s are classified as potent Greenhouse Gases.