UN Report: Increase in Nitrous Oxide Emissions Threatens Temperature Control Targets, Ozone Layer, and Human Health

UNICEF/Paulo Diogenes Unstable Temperatures and Water Scarcity Plague Communities in Brazil

A report jointly released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Tuesday highlights that nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, is rapidly accelerating climate change and damaging the ozone layer, endangering the 1.5°C temperature control target and posing serious threats to public health.

This assessment report was presented at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The assessment report indicates that the increase in nitrous oxide emissions is outpacing expectations and immediate action is needed to curb the impacts of this super pollutant on the environment and health.

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is primarily produced from agricultural activities, such as the use of synthetic fertilizers and manure. It is the third largest greenhouse gas and the most significant ozone-depleting substance currently being emitted into the atmosphere. In terms of warming the Earth, nitrous oxide is about 270 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

The assessment shows that actively tackling nitrous oxide will also support the continuous recovery of the ozone layer, helping to prevent the majority of the global population from being exposed to harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Key Conclusions of the Report

The assessment points out that nitrous oxide is currently the most significant ozone-depleting substance being emitted, potentially exposing a large portion of the world's population to higher levels of ultraviolet radiation, thereby increasing the incidence of skin cancer and cataracts.

The report states that ambitious actions to reduce nitrous oxide emissions could help prevent up to 20 million premature deaths globally by 2050 due to poor air quality and avoid emissions equivalent to 2,350 billion tons of carbon dioxide by 2100.

Impacts and Recommendations

The assessment report identifies practical cross-sectoral strategies for reducing nitrous oxide emissions by over 40%. Significant further reductions can be achieved by transforming food production systems and rethinking societal approaches to nitrogen management, providing an important opportunity to advance global climate, environment, and health objectives.

The report emphasizes that addressing nitrous oxide emissions is crucial for ensuring sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agriculture. Reducing nitrous oxide emissions can be achieved by improving nitrogen use efficiency in agriculture and reducing excessive nitrogen application.