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Knowledge4Policy
Knowledge for policy

Supporting policy with scientific evidence

We mobilise people and resources to create, curate, make sense of and use knowledge to inform policymaking across Europe.

  • Publication | 2024

Global Nitrous Oxide Assessment

Global Food and Nutrition Security

Nitrous oxide, considered to be a super pollutant, is the third most important greenhouse gas and the most significant ozone-layer depleting substance emitted today. Its human-induced emissions, which primarily originate from the agricultural use of synthetic fertilisers and manure, are increasing faster than previously projected. This Assessment identifies abatement measures available today that could reduce these emissions by more than 40 per cent below current levels. Transformations in food production and societal systems could lead to even deeper reductions.The Global Nitrous Oxide Assessment is the first international report focused solely on nitrous oxide in more than a decade. It sheds new light on a super pollutant and is intended as a resource for policymakers, civil society, the private sector, the scientific community and others.