Tackling Nitrous Oxide Emissions: A Path Towards Sustainability in India

Understanding Nitrous Oxide Emissions in India

India is recognized as the world’s second-largest emitter of nitrous oxide (N2O), a powerful greenhouse gas. In 2020, it contributed nearly 11% of global man-made emissions, trailing only behind China, which accounted for 16%. This significant contribution primarily arises from the application of nitrogen fertilizers and the management of animal manure.

Sources of Nitrous Oxide Emissions

• Nitrogen Fertilizers: The predominant source of emissions in agricultural production.
• Animal Manure: Waste from livestock also plays a crucial role in contributing to N2O emissions.
• Other Sectors: While emissions from fossil fuels and the chemical industry are not increasing at a swift rate, those from aquaculture are on the rise, especially in China.

Impact of Nitrous Oxide

• Atmospheric Concentration: By 2022, the concentration of N2O in the atmosphere reached 336 parts per billion, which is 25% higher than pre-industrial levels.
• Longevity: N2O persists in the atmosphere for about 117 years, leading to long-lasting effects.
• Climate Change: N2O emissions are responsible for 6.4% of the effective radiative forcing of greenhouse gases, contributing approximately 0.1°C to current global warming.

Global Context

• Comparison with Carbon Dioxide: Although carbon dioxide concentrations are significantly higher (417 parts per million in 2022), the need to address N2O emissions is becoming increasingly urgent due to its persistent nature and rapid increase.
• Top Emitters in 2020: In 2020, the leading emitters of nitrous oxide included China (16.7%), India (10.9%), the United States (5.7%), Brazil (5.3%), and Russia (4.6%).

Challenges and Recommendations

• Agricultural Practices: The rise in N2O emissions is largely driven by current agricultural methods, particularly the extensive use of nitrogen fertilizers and the increasing demand for meat and dairy products.
• Water Pollution: Inefficient nitrogen fertilizer usage also leads to groundwater contamination, affecting drinking water and coastal ecosystems.
• Policy Changes: Experts suggest that India should reassess its nitrogen fertilizer subsidies, which currently exceed 80%. Redirecting these funds towards supporting alternative agricultural systems could help mitigate N2O emissions and enhance environmental sustainability.

Call to Action

The findings underscore the critical need for India to take decisive action regarding its N2O emissions. Adapting cropping systems and production practices, alongside reforming fertilizer subsidies, are essential steps toward minimizing environmental impacts and aligning with global climate objectives.

Conclusion

This report emphasizes the necessity of addressing nitrous oxide emissions as a means to effectively combat climate change. For India, this entails making substantial progress toward sustainable agricultural practices and improving the management of nitrogen fertilizers and animal manure.