Which greenhouse gas is considered the baseline for measuring GWP?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is considered the baseline for measuring Global Warming Potential (GWP) because it is the most prevalent greenhouse gas emitted by human activities and serves as a reference point for comparing the impact of other greenhouse gases. The GWP of a gas measures its ability to trap heat in the atmosphere over a specified time frame, usually 100 years, relative to carbon dioxide. By establishing CO2 as the standard, it allows scientists and policymakers to quantify and compare the long-term climate impact of various gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide, which have different warming potentials but are assessed in relation to CO2. This comparison is crucial for understanding their effects on global warming and for making informed decisions in climate mitigation strategies.