Carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) are a way to express the impact of different greenhouse gases on global warming in a common unit. Since various gases have different warming potentials, CO2e allows for a standardized comparison. For example, methane is much more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, so its emissions are converted into CO2e to reflect their equivalent impact. This measurement is crucial for understanding and managing climate change. By using CO2e, policymakers and scientists can assess the total greenhouse gas emissions from sources like transportation, industry, and agriculture, helping to create effective strategies for reducing overall emissions and mitigating climate change.