(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) Emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), an often-overlooked yet potent gas, could nearly double by 2050 and thus potentially undermine gains in the ozone layer recovery and exacerbate climate change. Drawing Down N2O to Protect Climate and the Ozone Layer, a new report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), warns that nitrous oxide is now the most important ozone-depleting emission and the third most potent greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere.
While N2O exists naturally in the atmosphere in trace amounts, human activities have increased its concentrations since the industrial revolution. The UNEP report, produced in conjunction with scientists and experts from more than 35 organizations, points out that with determination and commitment to act it is possible to draw down nitrous oxide emissions. Reducing N2O emissions has major cost benefits since emissions are connected to diverse economic sectors from agriculture, chemical manufacturing and electricity production to waste management, transportation and fish production.
Gains from emissions reduction will include increased crop and livestock productivity, poverty alleviation, improved human health and reduced environmental degradation. An earlier study quoted by the report indicated that an across-the-board improvement in nitrogen use efficiency of 20 per cent would cost around US$12 billion annually, but would save around US$23 billion in annual fertilizer costs alone. Additional environmental, climate and human benefits could be worth an estimated US$160 billion per annum.
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