The global warming potential (GWP) measures the effect of greenhouse gases on which of the following?

The global warming potential (GWP) is specifically designed to quantify the impact of different greenhouse gases on climate change over a specified time frame, usually 100 years. GWP measures how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide (CO2), which is taken as the baseline with a GWP of one.

This metric is crucial for understanding the relative contributions of various gases—such as methane (CH4) or nitrous oxide (N2O)—to the greenhouse effect and, subsequently, to global warming. By assessing the warming potential of various gases, policymakers and scientists can prioritize actions to mitigate climate change and effectively create strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In contrast, the other options focus on separate environmental concerns. Water quality pertains to the cleanliness and safety of water bodies, soil health relates to the fertility and sustainability of land, and human health addresses medical and health-related issues instead of their direct connection to climate impacts. Therefore, the measure of GWP is distinctly relevant to climate change.