Nitrous oxide (N2O), Global

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Background of emission factor

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming when released into the atmosphere. Its emission factor is expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents, meaning its warming potential is compared to that of carbon dioxide. This comparison is based on the 100-year global warming potential defined in the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report.

Emission factor category

Greenhouse gases are gases that have a climate warming effect, i.e. a warming potential. The three most common greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), which accounts for about 80 % of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Emission factors for greenhouse gases are often expressed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e), meaning the global warming potential of a gas is compared to the global warming potential of carbon dioxide.

Nitrous oxide (N2O)

Emission factor category / Subcategory	Greenhouse gas
Country	Global
Organization	IPCC
Emission factor	273,00 kg/kg
CO2 / CO2 equivalent	CO2e
Quality of the emission factor
Updated	2023
Source	OpenCO2net/ IPCC
More information	GWP (Global Warming Potential) values for 100-year time horizon based on IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6)

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