Global Warming Potential (GWP)

Global Warming Potential (GWP), also known as Atmospheric Warming Potential (AWP), is a metric that allows comparison of the effect of different greenhouse gases (GHGs) on global warming relative to carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is used as the reference with a value of 1.

GWP is usually calculated over a 100-year time horizon and takes into account three factors:

• The gas’s ability to absorb infrared radiation
• The location of its absorption bands in the infrared spectrum
• Its atmospheric lifetime (half-life)

Examples of 100-year GWP:

• Methane (CH₄): 28–36
• Nitrous oxide (N₂O): 298
• Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆): 23,500

GWP can also be calculated for 20- or 500-year horizons, which changes the value depending on the atmospheric lifetime of the gas. Understanding GWP is essential for designing effective mitigation strategies, prioritizing the reduction of high-impact gases.

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