Fertiliser emissions could be cut to ‘one-fifth of current levels’ by 2050

Feb 16, 2023

When nitrogen fertilisers are applied to a field, some of the element is lost to the environment. Image: REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol

Orla Dwyer

Covers food, land and nature, Carbon Brief

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A graph showing greenhouse gas emissions from 2010-2050.

Past and future greenhouse gas emissions relating to synthetic fertilizers for different mitigation interventions assessed. Image: Carbon Brief

The amount of 'excess' nitrogen applied per hectare of cropland around the world, calculated as the difference between nitrogen inputs and the amount of nitrogen in harvested crops. Image: Carbon Brief.

A graphic showing greenhouse gas emissions and 2050 baseline emission.

Past and future greenhouse gas emissions from synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in millions of tonnes of CO2-equivalents per year. Image: Carbon Brief.

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