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Study finds that nitrous oxide emissions are rapidly increasing and pose a significant threat to the climate, according to National report.

“Global Nitrous Oxide Emissions Surpass Expectations, Threatening Climate Goals: Study”

Global emissions of nitrous oxide are on the rise, posing a significant threat to climate change goals, according to a new study published on Wednesday. The study, which drew on millions of atmospheric measurements from around the world, revealed a sharp increase in human-related nitrous oxide levels.

Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas that heats the Earth’s atmosphere 300 times more effectively than carbon dioxide and can linger for over a century. Emissions of nitrous oxide have surged by 40 percent in the four decades leading up to 2020, reaching levels of 336 parts per billion in 2022 – a 25 percent increase over pre-industrial levels.

The report, known as the Global Nitrous Oxide Budget, involved 58 international researchers and highlighted the urgent need to reduce nitrous oxide emissions in order to limit global warming to the targets set by the Paris Agreement. Lead author Hanqin Tian from Boston College emphasized that reducing nitrous oxide emissions is crucial as there are currently no technologies available to remove the gas from the atmosphere.

Agriculture was identified as the main culprit behind the increase in nitrous oxide emissions, accounting for nearly three-quarters of human-related emissions in the past decade. The use of nitrogen-based fertilizers and animal waste were cited as major contributors to the surge in agricultural emissions.

While global policies exist to curb other greenhouse gases, nitrous oxide emissions have been rising unchecked. Pep Canadell, co-leader of the study and chief researcher at Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, stressed the need for more aggressive action to address nitrous oxide emissions.

The study also highlighted the top nitrous oxide emitters, including China, India, the United States, Brazil, Russia, Pakistan, Australia, and Canada. These countries have seen increased emissions due to growing populations and higher demands on the food sector. However, Europe has managed to reduce its emissions by cutting back on fossil fuel use.

Efforts to limit nitrous oxide emissions could take up to a decade to show significant results, but many farmers are already taking steps to reduce their emissions through more precise use of fertilizers, genetic modification of crops, better waste management, and sustainable farming practices.

Overall, the study underscores the importance of addressing nitrous oxide emissions to combat climate change and achieve global warming targets. Failure to reduce these emissions could have severe consequences for the environment and human health.

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