Context:

Recently, the United Nations released a new Global Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) Assessment during COP29 (2024) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Key Highlights of the report: 

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is currently the most significant ozone-layer-depleting substance being emitted to the atmosphere and without reducing N₂O emissions, there is no viable pathway to limiting global warming to 1.5°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Reduction of N₂O emissions could prevent up to 235 billion tonnes of ‘CO₂-equivalent’ emissions by 2100, which is equivalent to six years of global CO₂ emissions.

Its anthropogenic emissions are responsible for approximately 10% (around 0.1°C) of net global warming to date since the Industrial Revolution.

The atmospheric abundance of nitrous oxide has increased by over 20% since the pre-industrial era.

• The mean annual growth rate of N2O over the past five years (2017–2021) was 1.2 parts per billion a year and was nearly twice that of the early 2000s (2000–2004).

Agriculture is currently the source of 75% of those emissions, of which approximately 90% comes from the use of synthetic fertilizers and manure on agricultural soils and 10% from manure management.

Key Recommendations of Assessment:

It aligns with the global climate goals and offers actionable strategies to ensure sustainable development while mitigating the impact of N₂O pollution.

It calls for immediate, ambitious action to reduce N₂O emissions as part of a broader strategy to combat climate change, protect public health, and safeguard ecosystems.

It stresses the need for inclusive, resilient agriculture to meet climate and food security goals.

It suggests the following methods to reduce N₂O emissions by over 40% from current levels:

• Transforming food production systems
• Sustainable nitrogen management
• The chemical industry is highlighted as an area where emissions can be quickly and cost-effectively reduced.

Significance of Lowering N₂O emission:

Reducing N₂O emissions can improve air and water quality by decreasing harmful nitrogen compounds in the atmosphere. 

• Preventing up to 20 million premature deaths globally by 2050 through better air quality.

Sustainable nitrogen management can enhance agriculture while reducing the environmental impact.