High Global Warming Potential Gases

(HGWP Gasses)

Definition

Greenhouse gases that have a much greater impact on global warming compared to carbon dioxide (CO₂) on a per-unit basis. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere more effectively and have a higher potential to contribute to climate change.

Additional Notes

Gases include:
Methane (CH₄): Approximately 25 times more effective at trapping heat than CO₂ over a 100-year period.

Nitrous Oxide (N₂O): About 273 times more effective than CO₂ over a 100-year period.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF₆): These industrial gases can have thousands of times the warming effect of CO₂.