IPCC AR6
Global Warming Potential Values
The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) provides the definitive scientific basis for converting greenhouse gas emissions into CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e) using Global Warming Potential (GWP) factors. CarbonTrace uses AR6 GWP100 values for all calculations — the current international standard, superseding the previous AR5 values from 2014.
Access the IPCC AR6 ReportWhat is Global Warming Potential (GWP)?
GWP measures how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time period, relative to CO₂. A GWP of 29.8 for methane (CH₄) means 1 kg of methane traps the same amount of heat as 29.8 kg of CO₂ over a 100-year period.
GWP20
20-year horizon
Emphasises near-term warming impacts. More relevant for gases like methane that degrade faster.
GWP100 ← CarbonTrace uses this
100-year horizon
The standard used in national GHG inventories, corporate reporting, ISO 14064-1, and all major regulations (CSRD, SECR, etc.).
AR6 GWP Values Used in CarbonTrace
Source: IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, Working Group I, Chapter 7, Table 7.SM.7 (2021). All values are 100-year GWP (GWP100) unless noted.
| Gas | Formula | GWP20 | GWP100 | Key Emission Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Dioxide | CO₂ | 1 | 1 | Combustion, deforestation, cement production |
| Methane | CH₄ | 82.5 | 29.8 | Livestock, natural gas leaks, landfills, rice cultivation |
| Nitrous Oxide | N₂O | 273 | 273 | Fertilisers, combustion, industrial processes, wastewater |
| HFC-134a | CH₂FCF₃ | 4,140 | 1,530 | Refrigeration, air conditioning, foam blowing |
| HFC-32 | CH₂F₂ | 2,690 | 771 | Refrigerants, heat pumps |
| SF₆ | SF₆ | 18,300 | 25,200 | Electrical switchgear, semiconductor manufacturing |
| Methyl Bromide | CH₃Br | 7 | 2.4 | Fumigation (pest control, soil treatment) |
| Sulfuryl Fluoride | SO₂F₂ | 7,510 | 4,732 | Structural fumigation (pest control) |
† Methyl Bromide and Sulfuryl Fluoride GWP values: IPCC AR6 WGI Table 7.SM.7. Used for fumigation Scope 1 calculations in CarbonTrace.
AR6 Key Scientific Findings
+1.1 °C
Global warming above pre-industrial levels (2011–2020)
~500 GtCO₂
Remaining carbon budget for 50% chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C
45%
Required net CO₂ reduction by 2030 (vs 2010) to reach 1.5°C pathway
Net Zero
CO₂ emissions must reach net zero around 2050 globally to limit 1.5°C
Related News
IPCC Sixth Assessment Report Synthesis: remaining carbon budget of ~500 GtCO₂ for 1.5°C pathway
IPCC · 2023
AR6 shows methane cuts are the fastest lever for near-term warming reduction
IPCC Working Group I · 2021
Global methane pledge: 100+ countries commit to 30% methane reduction by 2030 (vs 2020)
UN Climate · 2021
IPCC AR7 scoping begins — next full assessment expected 2029–2030
IPCC · 2023
Calculate using IPCC AR6 GWP values
Every CarbonTrace calculation applies the latest AR6 GWP100 factors automatically.