Växthuseffektpotential

Växthuseffektpotential is a term used to describe the relative capacity of a greenhouse gas to trap heat in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide. It is a dimensionless quantity that quantifies how much a given mass of a greenhouse gas contributes to the greenhouse effect over a specific time horizon. This potential is also known as global warming potential or GWP.

The calculation of växthuseffektpotential involves several factors, including the gas's ability to absorb infrared radiation and its atmospheric lifetime. Gases that absorb more infrared radiation and persist in the atmosphere for longer periods will have a higher växthuseffektpotential. For instance, methane (CH4) has a much higher växthuseffektpotential than carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 100-year period, meaning that a ton of methane traps significantly more heat than a ton of carbon dioxide within that timeframe.

Växthuseffektpotential is typically reported over different time horizons, such as 20, 100, or 500 years. The longer the time horizon, the more the influence of gases with longer atmospheric lifetimes is accounted for. This metric is crucial for understanding the relative impact of different greenhouse gases on climate change and for developing effective mitigation strategies. It allows policymakers and scientists to prioritize efforts by focusing on reducing emissions of the most potent warming gases.