Nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse gas, is on the rise, now at an estimated 270 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
This was confirmed by the United Nations Global Nitrous Oxide latest assessment, publicized at the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Primarily emitted from agricultural practices such as the use of synthetic fertilizers and manure, N₂O is the third most significant greenhouse gas and the top ozone-depleting substance still being released into the atmosphere.
The findings from the Assessment are clear: Urgent action on N₂O is critical to achieving climate goals, and without a serious reduction in emissions, there is no viable path to limiting warming to 1.5°C in the context of sustainable development as outlined in the Paris Agreement.
David Kanter, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at NYU and Co-Chair of the Assessment, said at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, about this latest finding “abating N₂O emissions could avoid up to 235 billion tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions by 2100. This is equivalent to six years’ worth of current global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels.”
The Assessment also has practical, cross-sectoral abatement strategies that could cut N₂O emissions, by more than 40% from current levels.
Some of the strategies to tackle this new gas, is transforming food production systems and rethinking societal approaches to nitrogen management.
It also shows that N₂O emissions from the chemical industry can be quickly and cost-effectively abated; agricultural and industrial practices impact the natural nitrogen cycle, leading to increased N₂O emissions.
A.R. Ravishankara, Chemist and atmospheric scientist, Colorado State University, and Co-Chair of the Assessment, said “a sustainable nitrogen management approach not only reduces nitrous oxide emissions but also prevents the release of other harmful nitrogen compounds. This could improve air and water quality, protect ecosystems, and safeguard human health, all while maintaining food security.”
Nitrous oxide is currently the most significant ozone-layer depleting substance being emitted into the atmosphere.
The Assessment shows that proactively tackling N₂O would also support the continued recovery of the ozone layer, helping to avoid a future where much of the global population is exposed to harmful UV levels.
“Addressing nitrous oxide emissions is essential for ensuring sustainable, inclusive and resilient agriculture that simultaneously helps countries achieve their climate and food security goals. As the assessment clearly shows, there are ways to produce more with less, by improving the efficiency of nitrogen use in agriculture and reducing excessive ninitrogen application” said Kaveh Zahedi, Director of FAO’s Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment.
The Assessment underscores the need for immediate and ambitious action to reduce N₂O emissions, as part of a broader strategy to tackle super pollutants, which, alongside efforts to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions, can put the world on track to meet long-term climate, food security and health goals.
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