CFCs and Arctic sea ice loss

Organic halogen compounds are known to have depleted atmospheric ozone concentrations, contributing to the ozone hole over the Antarctic. Now, a new investigation has revealed that ozone-depleting substances (ODS) were responsible for almost half of the warming and sea-ice loss witnessed in the Arctic between 1955 and 2005.

Halogenated organic compounds trap much more heat in the atmosphere than most other known compounds. For example dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12) has a global warming potential almost 11,000 times that of carbon dioxide. This means that, although ODS exist in much smaller atmospheric concentrations than other greenhouse gases, their impact can be just as significant.

Use the starter slide with your class to help students understand the greenhouse effect and global warming.

Read the full story in Chemistry World.