India Ranks Second in Nitrous Oxide Emissions

Sakshi Education

A recent study has revealed that India is the world's second-largest producer of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. In 2020, India accounted for over 11% of global N2O emissions, second only to China, which produced 16%.

Main Cause of High N2O Emissions:
The primary source of these high N2O emissions in India is the use of fertilizers. Nitrogen present in fertilizers is converted to N2O by soil microorganisms.

Effects of N2O:

Greenhouse Gas: N2O is 260 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of atmospheric warming potential. This means one ton of N2O has the same warming effect as 260 tons of carbon dioxide.
Ozone Layer Depletion: N2O also contributes to the destruction of the ozone layer, which protects life on Earth from the sun's harmful UV rays.
Water Contamination: N2O can lead to the contamination of groundwater and drinking water.

Recommendations for India:

Efficient Fertilizer Use: Developing and implementing methods for the more efficient use of fertilizers.
Organic Fertilizers: Encouraging the use of organic fertilizers as an alternative to chemical ones.
Emission Control: Developing new approaches to control and reduce N2O emissions.
According to the IPCC, reducing N2O emissions by at least 20% from 2019 levels by 2050 is essential to mitigate its impact on climate change.

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