What is the environmental impact of using refrigerants with high Global Warming Potential (GWP)?

Using refrigerants with high Global Warming Potential (GWP) significantly contributes to climate change when they are released into the atmosphere. GWP is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time period compared to carbon dioxide. Refrigerants with a high GWP can trap significantly more heat than carbon dioxide, with implications for global warming as they persist in the atmosphere. When these refrigerants leak, they enhance the greenhouse effect, leading to rising global temperatures and associated climate-related impacts.

The other choices do not accurately represent the environmental impacts of high GWP refrigerants. Some refrigerants may have negligible effects on the ozone layer, but they can still be harmful regarding climate change. Similarly, while refrigerants can be engineered to enhance the energy efficiency of systems, this does not negate their potential impact on climate change when released. Finally, stating that they have no significant impact understates their role in contributing to global warming, which is a critical environmental concern. Thus, understanding the GWP of refrigerants is essential for addressing climate change effectively.