India is the second largest emitter of nitrous oxide (N2O)
Context:
India is the second largest emitter of nitrous oxide (N2O) globally, contributing nearly 11% of man-made N2O emissions in 2020, second only to China at 16%.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Environment)
Key highlights:
- The primary source of N2O emissions in India is from fertilizer usage, as highlighted in a global assessment of N2O emissions published in Earth System Science Data.
- In 2022, atmospheric N2O concentrations were about 25% higher than pre-industrial levels, indicating a significant increase over time.
- Although carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are much higher, N2O remains a critical concern due to its longer atmospheric lifetime and rapid increase, necessitating urgent action alongside CO2 reduction efforts.
- Agriculture, specifically nitrogen fertilizers and animal manure, accounted for 74% of global anthropogenic N2O emissions over the past decade, significantly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
About:
- Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas (GHG) that is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2).
- It has the third-highest concentration in the atmosphere among GHGs, after CO2 and methane (CH4).
- N2O is the only remaining threat to the ozone layer, accumulating in the atmosphere similarly to CO2.
- It can persist in the atmosphere for up to 125 years.
- Global N2O concentration has increased from 270 parts per billion (ppb) in 1750 to 331 ppb in 2018, a 20% rise.
- The fastest growth in N2O levels has occurred over the past five decades due to human activities.
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