Glossary:Global-warming potential (GWP)

Global-warming potential, abbreviated as GWP, is a term used to describe the relative potency, molecule for molecule, of a greenhouse gas, taking account of how long it remains active in the atmosphere.

The global-warming potentials (GWPs) currently used are those calculated over 100 years. Carbon dioxide is taken as the gas of reference and given a 100-year GWP of 1.

Related concepts

• Carbon dioxide emissions
• Carbon dioxide equivalent
• Climate change
• Greenhouse gas (GHG)

Statistical data

• Climate change - driving forces

Source

• European Environment Agency - Glossary, based on: European Commission. Climate change: Glossary of common terms and acronyms.