One of the major sources of greenhouse gas pollution is the world's food systems. These are emissions from ranching and farming to the transportation of goods. A recent report shows that freezer aisles in your local supermarkets, however, could be a bigger source of pollution.
Freezer Aisles Hastening Global Warming
Conventional cooling technologies such as freezers and air conditioners emit greenhouse gases like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that have a higher heating potential than carbon dioxide.
The Environmental Investigation Agency nonprofit environmental advocacy conducted an undercover study via industry-standard leak sensors in detecting HFC emissions at 45 big-box supermarket chains in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
The group used infrared cameras to make illicit leaks visible to the human eye. The team's investigation primarily focused on Walmart as it is the largest retailer in the US, and other food chains such as Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Safeway, and ALDI.
Authors found that roughly half of the stores surveyed emitted HFCs. Out of the 20 Walmarts investigated, 60% had HFC pollution, and 55% of other supermarkets visited "consistent with concerns that refrigerant leaks are an industry-wide problem" says the report.
The amount picked up by sensors varied from 2 parts per million to 182ppm. However, according to manufacturers of the leak detectors, even a 2 ppm reading indicates a much bigger problem.
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The leaks occurred despite reassurance from some supermarket chains that they will handle refrigerant pollution. In 2010, Walmart and other mega-retailers signed the Consumer Goods Forum Refrigerant Resolution that begun to phase out HFCs beginning 2015.
On the other hand, it is clear that supermarket chains are taking no action towards the signed resolution with the firm's 2020 Environmental, Social, and Governance report, not mentioning any refrigerant-related goals.
In September, the company promised that it is transitioning to low-impact refrigerants for cooling and electrified equipment for heating in stores, data and distribution centers, and clubs by 2040. However, reports are vague and have not stated clear plans on achieving the said goals.
The Environmental Protection Agency's report on Friday shows that the HFC pollution has increased by 4 million metric tons from 2018-2019 nationwide.
Your local grocery and major supermarket chains aren't the only culprits behind the emissions increase of HFCs. Common cooling systems such as your home's air conditioning also contribute to HFC emissions.
In the previous EIA report based on EPA data, the total HFC refrigerants pollution by tens of thousands of supermarket grocery stores nationwide produce as much global warming pollution as burning 49 billion pounds of coal annually.
Without drastic intervention, federal projections indicate that HFCs will be the equivalent of 19% of CO2 by 2050.
The technology is here. There are alternative coolants available in the market that have far fewer impacts on the climate like propane, carbon dioxide, and ammonia. Across the US, there are roughly 600 supermarkets that exclusively used HFC-free refrigerants. However, the nation is still lagging behind progress in other parts of the globe.
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