Finding an ozone friendly alternative to HFCs

After discovering the adverse effects CFCs on the ozone hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) were largely employed as a replacement.  However outside of North America alternatives to HFCs have already been investigated.  Hydrocarbons can be utilized as coolants for manufactured goods without contributing to global warming.  In December the United States EPA just approved the use of three hydrocarbon refrigerants as substitutes to HFCs, which have an atmospheric lifetime of decades.  A switch to hydrocarbons is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emission by 600,000 metric tons by 2020.