A recent study conducted by international researchers has revealed that agriculture and the nitrogen fertilizers it uses are the leading sources of emissions of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas that is 300 times more effective at trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere than carbon dioxide. These emissions are on track to grow uncontrollably, posing a serious threat to the achievement of climate goals. Nitrous oxide, along with carbon dioxide and methane, is one of the three most important greenhouse gases.
The Global Nitrous Oxide Budget report, led by researcher Hanqin Tian, highlights the urgent need to bring nitrous oxide emissions under control in order to adhere to the two-degree limit set in the Paris climate agreement. Currently, there is no technology available to remove nitrous oxide from the atmosphere, making reduction of emissions the only viable option.
Agriculture accounts for three-quarters of all man-made nitrous oxide emissions, with the main source being nitrogen fertilizers. Other sources include fossil fuels, waste, and biomass burning. Despite efforts to control and limit emissions of other greenhouse gases, little attention has been paid to nitrous oxide emissions.
One of the leading researchers of the report, Pep Canadell, notes that there are almost no practices in place to address nitrous oxide emissions and creating them will be a slow process. However, some farmers have already begun taking steps to reduce emissions by using less nitrogen fertilizers and adopting more sustainable farming methods.
Canadell emphasizes the importance of reducing nitrous oxide emissions as even a small reduction can make a significant difference in mitigating its effects on the climate. While new restrictions may take time to have an impact starting now is crucial in order to address this growing threat.
