Persistent fluorinated greenhouse gases | Umweltbundesamt

Long-lived fluorinated greenhouse gases are characterized by a long atmospheric residence time and a global warming potential well above 5000 CO₂ equivalents. They are not degraded in manageable periods of time, but accumulate in the atmosphere. Besides sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆), nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃) and fully fluorinated hydrocarbons (PFC), such as CF₄ and C₂F₆, belong to this group of substances.

In Germany, emissions of SF₆ are decreasing. One reason are or were voluntary commitments by the industry. Internationally, this does not seem to be the case. This is indicated by the concentrations measured in the atmosphere. Complete global emission data are not available.
Globally, SF₆ is often replaced by NF₃ or PFC. As a result, the concentration of NF₃ and PFC in the atmosphere have also increased. The NF₃ concentration has grown at the fastest rate among fluorinated greenhouse gases, 12%/yr over 2013-2016. This was stated in a 2018 report by the EU Commission.

PFCs are used in a variety of ways. In Germany, their emissions have been falling in recent years. Measured atmospheric concentrations continue to rise due to longevity. PFCs belong to the group of PFAS. Currently, a restriction proposal on PFASs is being discussed under ⁠REACH⁠. Basic information on PFCs, areas of application and current developments can also be found on our PFC portal.