How is the impact of different F-Gases on the environment quantified?

The correct answer, which refers to the global warming potential (GWP) values of F-Gases, is significant because GWP is a standard measurement used to evaluate the impact of various greenhouse gases, including F-Gases, on global warming. GWP quantifies how much heat a gas traps in the atmosphere over a specified time period, typically 100 years, compared to carbon dioxide (CO2), which has a GWP of 1. This allows for a consistent way to compare the environmental effects of different gases based on their ability to contribute to global warming.

Using GWP values helps in forming regulations and policy decisions aimed at reducing emissions of high-impact gases, thus informing industries about their responsibilities and guiding them towards more environmentally friendly alternatives. The focus on GWP is essential as it provides a clear picture of the relative warming impacts that each type of F-Gas may have, facilitating effective climate action initiatives.

In contrast, viscosity levels, thermal conductivity, and the cost of production do not directly correlate with the environmental impact of F-Gases. While these properties may be relevant for other technical applications, they do not provide a measure of the gases' contributions to climate change in the same way that GWP does.