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Global agriculture and nitrous oxide emissions

Authors:

Dave Reay

Eric Davidson

Keith Smith

Pete Smith

Jerry Melillo

Frank Dentener

Paul Crutzen

+2 more
Publication Type:
Journal Article
Year of Publication:
2012
Secondary Title:
Nature Climate Change
ISSN:
1758-6798
DOI:
10.1038/nclimate1458
Pages:
410-416
Volume:
2
Year:
2012
Date:
5/2012

Abstract

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an important anthropogenic greenhouse gas and agriculture represents its largest source. It is at the heart of debates over the efficacy of biofuels, the climate-forcing impact of population growth, and the extent to which mitigation of non-CO2 emissions can help avoid dangerous climate change. Here we examine some of the major debates surrounding estimation of agricultural N2O sources, and the challenges of projecting and mitigating emissions in coming decades. We find that current flux estimates — using either top-down or bottom-up methods — are reasonably consistent at the global scale, but that a dearth of direct measurements in some areas makes national and sub-national estimates highly uncertain. We also highlight key uncertainties in projected emissions and demonstrate the potential for dietary choice and supply-chain mitigation.