Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other high global warming potential refrigerants used in ACs, heat pumps, and refrigeration are being replaced with alternatives such as hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and hydrocarbons (e.g., propane). As cooling demand and electrification grow, refrigerant emission estimates remain uncertain, as do the health and environmental consequences of replacement compounds. This session invites contributions advancing understanding of emissions across the full refrigerant family—legacy refrigerants (CFCs and HFCs), HFOs, hydrocarbons, and other natural refrigerants. Topics include harmonizing top-down atmospheric observations with bottom-up leak measurements, production and trade data, and refrigerant bank estimates to better locate and reduce emissions. Better data are also needed for tracking the health and environmental impacts of new refrigerants and their persistent degradation products such as trifluoroacetate, and for characterizing leakage of flammable hydrocarbon refrigerants to inform charge limits. We welcome submissions from diverse perspectives including atmospheric science, public health, the HVAC industry, and energy infrastructure planners.

• A - Atmospheric Sciences
• SY - Science and Society