Global Warming Potential Is Not an Ecosystem Property

Greenhouse gas metrics and ecosystem greenhouse fluxes should not be confounded with each other, either conceptually or in the language that we use to describe them. The global warming potential (GWP) sustained-flux (SGWP) are relative radiative impact of different gases have been widely used normalize as CO2 equivalents facilitate comparisons. A clear application definitions, pursuit scientific clarity, ability influence our thinking collectively indicate GWP SGWP synonyms for fluxes. I examined journal articles mentioned these were published Ecosystems, Global Change Biology, wetland literature. substantial fraction and/or ways inconsistent original definitions terms metrics. Often, multiple meanings within same article. Further, many names CO2-equivalent recommend (1) only following their metrics; (2) flux an accurate descriptive framework describing metric-weighted exchanges; (3) balance is appropriate alternate name fluxes, but forcing changes balance. There a robust research community studying role terrestrial, wetland, aquatic ecosystems regulators climate. clear, consistent, unambiguous terminology will help us effectively communicate findings other scientists, managers, policy makers.