Environment
Human Acceleration of the Nitrogen Cycle
Managing Risks and Uncertainty
This publication examines the risks associated with the release of excessive nitrogen
into the environment (climate change, depletion of the ozone layer, air pollution,
water pollution, loss of biodiversity, deterioration of soil quality). The report
also examines the uncertainty associated with the ability of nitrogen to move from
one ecosystem to another and cause "cascading effects". In addition to better management
of nitrogen risks at the local level, there is a need to consider the global risks
associated with the continued increase in nitrous oxide concentrations and to prevent
excess nitrogen in all its forms by developing cost-effective strategies for all its
sources. Other than the reduction of nitrogen pollution, this report provides guidance
on the use of nitrogen policy instruments and how to ensure coherence with objectives
such as food security, energy security and environmental objectives.
Published on November 20, 2018Also available in: French
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Foreword | |
| Abbreviations | |
| Executive summary | |
| Why does nitrogen matter? | |
| Proposed approach to address nitrogen pollution | |
| Examples of impact-pathway analysis and its translation into policy-making | |
| The unintended consequences on the nitrogen cycle of conservation practises in agriculture | |
| Criteria to guide nitrogen policy making | |
| An assessment of the effectiveness, efficiency and feasibility of nitrogen policy instruments | |
| Basic facts on nitrogen |
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