What is global warming potential (GWP)?

Global warming potential (GWP) is defined as a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time period compared to carbon dioxide. This comparison is critical because carbon dioxide is used as a reference point with a GWP of 1. Other greenhouse gases are evaluated based on how much more effective they are at trapping heat relative to carbon dioxide over a designated time frame, typically 100 years. This understanding helps in assessing the impact of various greenhouse gases on climate change.

By using carbon dioxide as a baseline, it becomes easier to communicate the effects of different gases, such as methane or nitrous oxide, which have higher global warming potentials. Therefore, GWP is a vital criterion in climate policy and regulation, as it allows for the prioritization of strategies targeting the most potent greenhouse gases.