Low-GWP refrigerants are defined as those that:**

• A. They have lower global warming potential
• B. They have higher global warming potential
• C. They are illegal in most countries
• D. They are less efficient than all alternatives

Answer: (A)

Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a way to compare how much heat a refrigerant traps in the atmosphere over a set time, using CO2 as the reference (GWP of 1). Low-GWP refrigerants are simply those with a smaller GWP value, meaning they have a smaller potential to contribute to climate warming when released. That’s why the statement “they have lower global warming potential” is the best description. It doesn’t imply legality or universal efficiency—some low-GWP options can have other drawbacks like flammability or toxicity, and efficiency depends on the specific system and refrigerant, not just its GWP. Examples help: R-134a has a high GWP, while R-1234yf or natural refrigerants like CO2 have much lower GWPs.