Which substance is known to have a high global warming potential?

HFC-134a is known for its high global warming potential (GWP) primarily due to its chemical structure and how it interacts with the atmosphere. GWP measures how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time period, typically 100 years, compared to carbon dioxide. HFC-134a is a hydrofluorocarbon that, while it does not deplete the ozone layer like some older refrigerants, has a significant ability to absorb and emit infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

In contrast, while other options like R-12 (a chlorofluorocarbon, or CFC) have historically been associated with ozone depletion, HFC-134a has been found to be a potent warming agent despite being less damaging to the ozone layer. Ammonia and carbon dioxide generally possess lower GWPs compared to HFC-134a. Ammonia is used in several applications but has a relatively short atmospheric lifespan and lower GWP, while carbon dioxide is the baseline for measuring GWP but does not have the high potency of HFC-134a when looked at on a weight basis for global warming effects. This distinction emphasizes why HFC-134a is recognized as having a high global