If a gas has a GWP of 50, it means it has 50 times less global warming potential than carbon dioxide.

If a gas has a GWP of 50, it means it has 50 times less global warming potential than carbon dioxide.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It depends on the gas
• D. It is not defined

Answer: (B)

Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a relative measure that compares how much heat a gas traps in the atmosphere to that of carbon dioxide over a specified time frame. Carbon dioxide is the reference with a GWP of 1. A gas with a GWP of 50 means it traps 50 times more heat per unit mass than CO2 over that horizon. So the statement is false: a GWP of 50 indicates greater warming potential, not less. The exact value depends on the time horizon used (commonly 100 years), as GWPs can vary for the same gas when a different period is considered.

Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a relative measure that compares how much heat a gas traps in the atmosphere to that of carbon dioxide over a specified time frame. Carbon dioxide is the reference with a GWP of 1. A gas with a GWP of 50 means it traps 50 times more heat per unit mass than CO2 over that horizon. So the statement is false: a GWP of 50 indicates greater warming potential, not less. The exact value depends on the time horizon used (commonly 100 years), as GWPs can vary for the same gas when a different period is considered.