NO2 EMISSIONS

Source: BUSINESS STANDARD

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Context

• Nitrous oxide emissions increased by 40% between 1980 and 2020, primarily from agricultural practices involving fertilizers and animal manure.
• The top emitters of nitrous oxide include China, India, and the US, with significant contributions from Brazil, Russia, and others.
• Reducing nitrous oxide emissions is vital for limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, as per the Paris Agreement goals.

Details

Key Points

• Greenhouse Gas Significance:
  • Nitrous oxide is the third most significant greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide and methane, with a global warming potential 273 times greater than CO2 over 100 years.
• Major Emitters:
  • The largest emitters of nitrous oxide are China, India and the US, followed by Brazil, Russia, Pakistan, Australia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Canada.
• Agricultural Contribution:
  • Agriculture is the primary source of nitrous oxide emissions, accounting for 74% of emissions in the past decade due to nitrogen fertilizers and animal manure.
• Historical Emission Trends:
  • Nitrous oxide emissions have risen by 40% between 1980 and 2020, with agricultural emissions increasing by 67% from 1980 to 2020.
• Impact on Global Warming:
  • Anthropogenic nitrous oxide emissions contribute to 0.1 degrees Celsius of the 1.15 degrees Celsius rise in Earth's average surface temperature since the pre-industrial era.
• Mitigation Goals:
  • To meet the Paris Agreement targets, nitrous oxide emissions from human activities must decrease by at least 20% from 2019 levels by
• Technological Challenges:
  • There are currently no technologies available to remove nitrous oxide from the atmosphere, emphasizing the need for emission reductions.
• Policy Implications:
  • Effective policies are needed to manage the use of nitrogen fertilizers and animal manure to curb nitrous oxide emissions and address climate change.

About Paris Agreement:

Objective and Goals:

• The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the temperature increase to 5 degrees Celsius. This agreement is crucial for global climate action and sustainable development.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):

• Each country under the Paris Agreement must submit its own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts. These contributions are reviewed and updated every five years to ensure progressive ambition.

Global Collaboration and Financing:

• The Paris Agreement emphasizes the need for global collaboration and financial support, especially for developing countries, to achieve climate goals. Developed countries are expected to provide financial assistance to help mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts in developing nations.

About Global Carbon Project:

Mission and Purpose:

• The Global Carbon Project (GCP) is an international research initiative that aims to quantify global greenhouse gas emissions and understand the carbon cycle. It provides critical data and analysis to inform climate policy and track progress towards emission reduction targets.

Key Publications and Reports:

• The GCP releases annual reports, such as the Global Carbon Budget, which detail the latest trends in carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels, deforestation, and other sources. These reports are vital for policymakers, researchers, and international climate negotiations.

Sources:

BUSINESS STANDARD

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following statements regarding nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions is/are correct? 1. Nitrous oxide is the third most significant greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide and methane. 2. The primary source of nitrous oxide emissions is industrial activities. 3. Nitrous oxide is 273 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Choose the correct code from below: A. 1 and 2 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2, and 3 Answer: B