Efficient fertilizer use is essential to slow climate change: United Nations report

Nitrous oxide emissions from fertilizer, a major driver of global warming and ozone layer destruction, must be reduced quickly to meet climate targets, a new U.N. report warns.

Georgina Gustin reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

• Fertilizer use is the largest source of nitrous oxide emissions, a greenhouse gas 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide and a top ozone depleter.
• The U.N. report suggests reducing fertilizer waste, improving soil management and cutting meat and dairy consumption to lower emissions.
• Experts estimate ambitious action could prevent 235 billion tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions by 2100, improving air quality and saving lives.

Key quote:

“This assessment makes clear there’s no plausible pathway to 1.5 degrees without ambitious action on nitrous oxide.”

— David Kanter, environmental studies professor at New York University

Why this matters:

Nitrous oxide is often overlooked in climate talks, yet it contributes significantly to global warming and ozone depletion. Tackling agricultural emissions could yield major climate benefits while protecting the ozone layer and improving public health.