What does the term “global warming potential (GWP)” refer to?

Global warming potential (GWP) is a metric that quantifies how much a particular greenhouse gas contributes to the warming of the Earth over a specified timeframe, typically 100 years, compared to carbon dioxide (CO2). This measure considers both the gas's ability to trap heat in the atmosphere and its duration of persistence.

For example, while carbon dioxide has a GWP of 1, other gases like methane or nitrous oxide have much higher GWPs because they are significantly more effective at trapping heat, even though they may be present in smaller quantities. Understanding GWP is crucial in assessing the impact of different gases on climate change, guiding policymakers and industries in making informed decisions about emissions reductions and regulatory measures.

The other options do not accurately describe GWP; they focus on different aspects of emissions or environmental impact rather than the specific comparison of greenhouse gases to CO2 in terms of their contribution to global warming over time.