Global warming potentials: 2. Accuracy

This paper exposes flaws in the mathematical structure of the Global Warmin g Potential (GWP) concept. These lead to errors when emissions changes in d ifferent greenhouse gases are compared. The most fundamental problem is tha t the unit impulse response functions from which GWPs, and many of their pr oposed alternatives, are constructed provide an incomplete representation o f the relationship between emissions and radiative forcing. Additional erro rs occur when GWPs are used to compare finite-length emissions changes.