A recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlights the alarming rise in nitrogen pollution.

Key Findings of the Report

• Rising Emissions: Humans add 150 teragrammes (Tg)  of reactive nitrogen annually, projected to reach 600 Tg/year by 2100 due to climate change.
• Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE): Global NUE declined from 56% (1961) to 40% (1980s) and rebounded to 56% by 2022.
• Main Contributors: Livestock emissions account for one-third of total nitrogen emissions, along with synthetic fertilizers, land-use changes, and manure.
• Regional Impact: Nitrogen pollution is most severe in North America, Western Europe, and parts of Asia due to extensive fertilizer misuse.
• Crop Variations: NUE varies by crop, e.g., soybeans (80%) vs. fruits/vegetables (14% in 2010).

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About Nitrogen

• Nitrogen in the Atmosphere: Nitrogen constitutes 78% of Earth’s atmosphere, but this nitrogen exists in an inert form that most organisms cannot utilize.

• Reactive Nitrogen: Through natural processes like nitrogen fixation by legumes and industrial methods (e.g., the Haber-Bosch process), nitrogen becomes reactive and usable.
  • The Haber-Bosch process involves the transformation of  Atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3) via a reaction with hydrogen (H2).
  • This process employs a metal catalyst (iron) and operates under high temperatures and pressures.
  • This has significantly boosted global food production over the past century.
• Negative Impact: Human-driven nitrogen flows have increased tenfold in the last 150 years. Around 80% of reactive nitrogen is lost to the environment annually, leading to soil and water pollution, biodiversity loss, and health issues.

Sources of Nitrogen Pollution

• Agriculture: Excessive use of synthetic fertilizers.
  • Livestock emissions, contributing about one-third of global nitrogen pollution.
  • Mismanagement of manure.
• Industrial Activities: Emissions from factories and coal power plants.
• Vehicle Emissions: Nitrogen oxides from exhausts.
• Land-Use Change: Deforestation and habitat alteration.

Impact of Nitrogen Pollution

• Climate Change: Nitrous oxide is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas and has a 200-year atmospheric lifetime, contributing significantly to global warming and ozone depletion.
• Biodiversity Loss: Over-fertilization of ecosystems, causing sensitive species to be outcompeted.
  • Creation of oceanic “dead zones” and toxic algal blooms.
• Health Risks: Ground-level ozone and smog caused by nitrogen oxides lead to respiratory diseases.
  • Dangerous particulates from agricultural ammonia emissions exacerbate health conditions.
• Economic Costs: The annual cost of nitrogen resource losses is estimated at $200 billion globally.

International Efforts to Control Nitrogen Pollution

• Colombo Declaration: A global initiative aimed at halving nitrogen waste by 2030.
• • Encourages investment in research and sustainable practices.
• United Nations Frameworks: Integration of nitrogen management in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Multilateral Environmental Agreements addressing nitrogen-related challenges.
• Scientific Collaboration: UNEP supports research on nitrogen sources and mitigation strategies.

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Way Forward for Addressing Nitrogen Pollution

• Promote Sustainable Agriculture: Encourage the use of organic fertilizers, biological nitrogen fixation, and precision farming to minimize nitrogen losses and enhance NUE.
• Adopt Effective Policy Frameworks: Develop region-specific policies to regulate nitrogen use, emphasizing circular bioeconomy approaches and sustainable livestock distribution.
• Enhance Industry Practices: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions during fertilizer production and improve storage, transport, and application processes to minimize waste.
• Increase Awareness and Training: Educate farmers on efficient nitrogen use, manure management, and crop rotation strategies to reduce environmental impact.
• Global Commitments: Align national goals with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Colombo Declaration to reduce nitrogen emissions and meet biodiversity targets.

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