In the context of environmental regulations, what does GWP stand for?

Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a crucial metric used in environmental regulations to compare the environmental impact of different greenhouse gases in relation to carbon dioxide (CO2). GWP measures how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time period, typically 100 years, compared to CO2. This comparison allows policymakers, scientists, and industries to better understand the relative contribution of various gases to global warming.

Understanding GWP is essential for evaluating and regulating substances like refrigerants under the F-gas regulations, as it helps in selecting alternatives that minimize environmental harm. Gases with a high GWP, such as certain hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are prioritized for reduction in order to mitigate their impact on climate change. This makes GWP a critical factor in strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate targets.