HFC-125 is a key component of the refrigerant blend R-410A and is also widely used in firefighting systems. Despite its zero ozone-depleting potential, the gas has a high global warming potential (GWP) of up to 3820 over a 100-year period and a lifetime of approximately 30 years.
The study analyzed HFC-125 volume mixing ratios (VMRs) in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. Data showed a global distribution pattern of HFC-125 above 11 km altitude. Over the past six years, the satellite detected an average growth rate of 3.47 ± 0.05 ppt/year for HFC-125.
These results align with ground-based and flask measurements by organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE). The rapid increase in HFC-125 was previously highlighted by NOAA data, which reported that HFC-125 accounts for 28% of global HFC emissions and is the second-largest contributor to HFC-related radiative forcing.
The accelerated growth of HFC-125 highlights the challenge of managing hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Although HFCs have replaced ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), their high GWPs contribute significantly to global warming.
The findings emphasize the need for continued atmospheric monitoring of HFC-125 to understand its role in climate forcing and to inform mitigation strategies. Data from ACE-FTS could play a critical role in advancing the global understanding of HFC-related climate impacts.
By providing a global perspective on HFC-125 distribution, this research underscores the importance of integrating satellite-based measurements into ongoing climate monitoring efforts.