Weather changes: all you need to know about climatic variations. - Neglected greenhouse gas: nitrous oxide emissions are quickly rising.
Human activities are contributing more and more to the production of climate-damaging nitrous oxide, the third most significant greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide and methane. Over the past four decades since 1980, there's been a 40% increase in human-induced nitrous oxide emissions, reports a study by the Global Carbon Project led by Boston College. Nitrous oxide levels have skyrocketed, especially in recent years, with 2020 and 2021 witnessing exceptionally high values.
Nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as laughing gas or nitrous oxide in scientific circles, is widely used by medical professionals as an anesthetic. However, much larger quantities are produced unintentionally, from agricultural practices or fossil fuel combustion, and enter the atmosphere as a result.
A significant portion of nitrous oxide is produced naturally in the atmosphere, making up around two-thirds of current emissions. Human intervention in the natural nitrogen cycle on Earth is the primary driver behind the increased production, as we harness nitrogen present in the air (N2, not N2O) to create fertilizer. We also have livestock manure, which is either left on pastures or spread on fields. If this fertilizer remains unused by plants, it can transform into nitrous oxide directly or eventually pollute the atmosphere.
Agriculture is now responsible for 74% of human nitrous oxide pollution. This is specifically prevalent in nations with rapidly growing populations like China and India. On the other hand, Europe has seen decreases in emissions partly due to reduced fossil fuel usage and changes in the chemical industry processes.
Boston College indicates that about 10 million metric tons of nitrous oxide were released by humans annually during the years 2020 and 2021. In 1750, the atmosphere contained 270 nitrous oxide molecules per billion (ppb) molecules, but by 2022, this number had climbed to 336 molecules - a 25% increase.
The researchers stress the importance of reducing nitrous oxide emissions to reach climate targets. "The only solution is to reduce nitrous oxide emissions, as there are no existing technologies for removing nitrous oxide from the atmosphere," states lead author Hanqin Tian from Boston College. "The only solution is to reduce nitrous oxide emissions, as there are no existing technologies for removing nitrous oxide from the atmosphere."
Targeted fertilization can help curb nitrous oxide production
Several strategies to lessen the nitrous oxide output are being proposed. The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends the efficient use of fertilizers to reduce the surplus in the soil that can convert into nitrous oxide. Additionally, they suggest reducing the reliance on oil, gas, and coal or incorporating catalysts in their combustion processes.
The authors of the study brought together 58 experts from 15 countries for this extensive research, analyzing data from air, freshwater, and oceans through the past four decades. "This is the most comprehensive study on global nitrous oxide gas to date," said Tian. Due to the various uncertainties, such as soil composition, the researchers offer a wide range for N2O emissions. However, the measurements of N2O levels in the atmosphere are highly accurate.
Sources:
- Probably not "Sources: nytimes: The Human Population is Producing More Nitrous Oxide, a Key Greenhouse Gas, and We Should Be Worried - Drawing Board - The New York Times"
- Global Carbon Project study
- US Environmental Protection Agency report
Read also:
- The study by the Global Carbon Project at Boston College has reported a 40% increase in human-induced emissions of thegreenhouse gas nitrous oxide since 1980, contributing to the Climate crisis.
- The USA, like Europe, is also a significant contributor to the rise in carbon dioxide emissions, but human activities in farming, particularly the use of fertilizers, are the primary source of nitrous oxide emissions.
- According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the efficient use of fertilizers and reducing dependence on fossil fuels can help decrease nitrous oxide emissions.
- The International community recognizes the role of greenhouse gases in the Climate crisis and the need for research and collaboration to reduce emissions, including those of nitrous oxide.
- As part of this global effort, researchers at Boston College have stressed the importance of reducing nitrous oxide emissions to meet climate targets, as there are currently no technologies for removing nitrous oxide from the atmosphere.
- The Boston College study, involving 58 experts from 15 countries, highlights the urgent need for action on nitrous oxide emissions, particularly from agriculture, which accounts for 74% of human nitrous oxide pollution, with countries like China and India contributing significantly.
