Global Warming Potential
Relative warming effect of a greenhouse gas compared to CO2 over a specified time period.
Formula
GWP = (Radiative forcing of gas × Atmospheric lifetime) / (Radiative forcing of CO₂ × Atmospheric lifetime of CO₂)
Real World
The Kigali Amendment (2016) to the Montreal Protocol targeted HFCs used in air conditioning — some have GWPs over 12,000 — committing 197 countries to phase them down by 80% by 2047.
Exam Focus
Always state the time horizon (usually 100 years) when quoting GWP values — examiners expect this qualifier.
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