Nitrogen is the most abundant element in the Earth's atmosphere. It makes the sky blue, forms the basis of protein in our bodies, and helps make the earth fertile. However, excess nitrogen in the environment in reactive form – which comes from the use of synthetic fertilizers, the discharge of wastewater or the burning of fossil fuels – poses a danger, polluting the soil, water and air.
Consequently, it exacerbates climate change and destroys the ozone layer, which has finally begun to recover. Experts say that more efficient use of the element in food production is key to reducing excess nitrogen released into the environment.
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Limits Report 2018-2019 named nitrogen pollution as one of the most important pollution problems facing humanity, writes H1.
"Nitrogen is the primary nutrient necessary for the survival of all living organisms on Earth. But the world needs to wake up to the issues of nitrogen waste and the possibility to take joint actions for its sustainable use," said Leticia Carvalho, chief coordinator of the Marine and Freshwater Branch. at UNEP She cites four main reasons why humanity needs to limit nitrogen pollution.
The most influential driver of biodiversity loss
When the availability of nitrogen compounds exceeds plant consumption, excess nitrogen enters the environment, often filtering into aquatic ecosystems. Once there, it can cause a rapid increase in toxic algae, a phenomenon known as algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in the water and can create coastal dead zones that affect underwater life.
Nitrogen pollution is the most influential global driver of human-induced biodiversity loss after habitat destruction and greenhouse gas emissions. A landmark global agreement on the protection of biodiversity from December 2022 includes targets to reduce pollution from all sources so that by 2030 pollutants will not be harmful to life and ecosystems.
It remains in the atmosphere for 100 years
When nitrogen is in its active form, such as in fertilizer, microbial reactions take place in the soil that release nitrogen oxide. This gas is 300 times stronger than carbon dioxide in warming the atmosphere. It also remains active in the atmosphere for over 100 years. Algal blooms in lakes and waterways, often caused by fertilizer runoff, also emit greenhouse gases.
Another issue is ammonia emissions in agriculture. This is the gaseous form of nitrogen, which is emitted into the atmosphere from the housing, storage and spreading of animal manure as well as the spreading of synthetic fertilizers. Although ammonia is not a greenhouse gas, when released into the air it acts as a base for emissions of nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas.
It can cause cancer
Water containing elevated levels of nitrates—a form of nitrogen resulting from animal waste, plant decay, and fertilizer runoff—increases the risk of infants developing methemoglobinemia, commonly called "blue baby syndrome," which can be fatal.
High levels of nitrates in drinking water can also increase the risk of cancer in adults. Ammonia emissions, as well as contributing to climate change, are an important driver of fine particle pollution, reducing air quality and increasing adverse effects on human health.
Nitrogen waste burdens the economy
According to UNEP's 2018-2019 Boundaries Report, nitrogen costs the global economy between US$340 billion and US$3,4 trillion annually when considering its impact on human health and ecosystems. Most of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, humanity's blueprint for a better future, are linked to sustainable nitrogen management. Experts say that more efficient use of the element in food production is key to reducing excess nitrogen released into the environment.
There is progress
Progress is being made. Last year, at the continued fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, governments adopted a resolution on sustainable nitrogen management. While the first UNEA resolution on sustainable nitrogen management adopted at UNEA4 in March 2019 set the stage for urgent action on nitrogen, this second resolution is important as it includes the ambition to "significantly reduce nitrogen loss globally" as well as a timeline. "to 2030 and beyond".
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