CO₂ equivalents

The CO₂ equivalent describes the global warming potential of a gas, i.e. its relative contribution to global warming compared to CO₂. Because different greenhouse gases have different effects on the climate: nitrous oxide is e.g. 265 times and methane 28 times more potent than CO₂. CO₂ equivalents thus enable comparison between different greenhouse gases. The global warming potentials of the most important greenhouse gases are listed in the GHG Protocol.
Very often when talking about CO₂ emissions, the CO₂ equivalents are meant.


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