Dynamic characterization factors and dynamic global warming potentials: a critical methodological review

Abstract Purpose The topic of dynamic LCA has received quite some attention since 2010. Especially dynamic characterization factors for assessing the climate impact of greenhouse gases have become more mainstream. Here we review the principles of these approaches. Methods The seminal paper by Levasseur and co-authors from 2010 is analyzed in depth, along with several follow-up papers by a variety of authors. The emphasis in our analysis is on the modelling details and in some cases the numerical outcomes and the units. Results and discussion All papers that are analyzed contain unclear parts and possible mistakes. They also misquote the original proposal in several cases. We consider this as a potential threat to the scientific status of dynamic LCA and, by extension, to the scientific status of LCA. Conclusions We provide several fixes in the modelling details. We also propose a way forward to better understand and communicate the principles of dynamic LCA.