What is the global warming potential (GWP) of carbon dioxide?

The global warming potential (GWP) of carbon dioxide is established as 1. This serves as the reference point against which the GWP of other greenhouse gases is measured. The GWP quantifies how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time frame compared to carbon dioxide. For example, a gas with a GWP of 25 would trap 25 times more heat over a given period than an equivalent amount of CO2. By designating the GWP of carbon dioxide as 1, it effectively normalizes the measurements for other gases, making it easier to compare their impacts on global warming. Understanding this foundational concept is crucial for analyzing and managing the various greenhouse gases in relation to climate change initiatives.