Global Warming Potential (GWP)

Global Warming Potential (GWP) is the factor by which a greenhouse gas contributes to the greenhouse effect, measured as a unit of a specific greenhouse gas in relation to one unit of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Depending on their physical and chemical properties, the behavior of the various greenhouse gases in the atmosphere differs. The extent to which they contribute to global warming depends on their radiation efficiency (the ability to absorb energy) and how long they stay in the atmosphere. The GWP of CO2 is used as a reference value with unit 1 over a period of 100 years, with which the GWPs of other greenhouse gases can be compared. Methane (CH4), for example, has a GWP of 27-30 over 100 years. This is because CH4 stays in the atmosphere longer and also absorbs more energy than CO2.