Why are there different GWP timeframes?

Methane breaks down over about 12 years. GWP-20 captures near-term potency while GWP-100 averages over a century.

Where does methane come from?

Major sources include livestock, landfills, natural gas systems, rice paddies, and wetlands.

Despite being present in smaller quantities than CO2, methane is responsible for about 30% of current global warming due to its high potency.

Convert methane emissions to CO2 equivalent using global warming potential over 20 or 100 year timeframes.

Methane Emissions

metric tons CH4

Global Warming Potential

x CO2

CO2 Equivalent

280.0 metric tons CO2e

CO2e at GWP-20 (84x)840.0 metric tons CO2e

CO2e at GWP-100 (28x)280.0 metric tons CO2e

CO2 Equivalent vs Methane Emissions

Methane (CH4) is more potent than CO2 but breaks down faster in the atmosphere.

GWP-100: 28x more potent than CO2 over 100 years

GWP-20: 84x more potent over 20 years

CO2e = Methane (tons) * GWP factor

A facility emits 10 metric tons of methane per year.

Calculate multiple greenhouse gases.

Estimate methane from landfills.

Full carbon footprint estimate.