China’s HFC emissions account for more than 20% of global emissions of these gases

A new study ^[1] based on data from the Changdao station in northern China reveals that emissions of three of the main hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—R125, R134a, and R143a—have risen significantly, now accounting for over 20% of global HFC emissions.  

 

The study shows that emissions from these refrigerants surged to 206.4 million metric tons of CO₂-equivalent (MtCO₂e) in 2022, a sharp increase from 7.1 MtCO₂e in 2005. The Changdao station, located in a region that hosts much of China’s fluorochemical industry, has provided crucial insights into the growing scale of HFC emissions in the country.

 

This trend underscores the importance of continued global efforts to manage and reduce HFC emissions. While China has committed to the Kigali Amendment of the Montreal Protocol, which sets a framework for capping and reducing HFC use, the study suggests that China’s actions will be pivotal in shaping global progress toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Source

[1] Hu, X., Tan, L., Chen, Y., et al. (2025). Sustained increases in hydrofluorocarbon emissions from China and implications for global emissions. Environmental Science & Technology, 59 (6), 10 February 2025. [Link]