In the context of global warming potential, what does a higher number indicate?

A higher number in the context of global warming potential (GWP) indicates a higher environmental impact. GWP measures how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time period compared to carbon dioxide (CO2). For instance, carbon dioxide has a GWP of 1, while gases like methane and nitrous oxide have higher GWPs, meaning they have a stronger ability to warm the atmosphere over the same timeframe. A higher GWP signifies that a greenhouse gas is more effective at contributing to global warming, thus resulting in a more significant environmental impact.

This is critical in understanding the contributions of different gases to climate change and provides a basis for prioritizing efforts in emissions reductions. The emphasis on higher GWP gases indicates that they may require more stringent regulatory measures to mitigate their effects on global warming effectively.