Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a measure of how much energy the emissions of 1 tonne of a gas will absorb over a given period of time, relative to the emissions of 1 tonne of carbon dioxide (\(\text{CO}_2\)).
Statement (II): A gas with a smaller GWP warms the Earth more compared to \(\text{CO}_2\) over that time period.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.
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GWP is a relative scale with \(\text{CO}_2 = 1.0\).
Higher GWP values directly correspond to greater heat-trapping capacity and more intense global warming potential.
Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false.
Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true.
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The Correct Option isC
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a standardized metric used to compare the relative heat-trapping ability of different greenhouse gases in the atmosphere over a specific time horizon. Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
1. Statement (I): By international convention, GWP measures the total integrated radiative forcing (energy absorption) of 1 tonne of a greenhouse gas relative to the radiative forcing of 1 tonne of carbon dioxide (\(\text{CO}_2\)) over a given period (usually 100 years). Thus, Statement (I) is correct.
2. Statement (II): The GWP of carbon dioxide is defined as exactly 1.0.
GWP is directly proportional to warming capability: a gas with a larger GWP (such as methane with GWP \(\approx 28\) or nitrous oxide with GWP \(\approx 265\)) traps more heat and warms the earth more than \(\text{CO}_2\).
A gas with a smaller GWP value traps less energy and warms the Earth less compared to a gas with a larger GWP. Therefore, Statement (II) is conceptually incorrect. Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct option is 3, which corresponds to Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false.
