Newswise — CAMBRIDGE, MD (July 5, 2023)—Scientists have discovered that an immediate, inexpensive, and currently feasible approach to curbing greenhouse gas emissions exists. The utilization of prevailing technology on industrial origins can effectively mitigate nitrous oxide, an influential greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting agent.
"The time-sensitive nature of climate change demands swift reduction of all greenhouse gas emissions within the limits of technological and economic feasibility," expressed Eric Davidson, the principal author and a professor affiliated with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. "While addressing nitrous oxide emissions in agricultural settings is complex, tackling it within the industrial sector is both affordable and currently accessible. This presents us with a readily achievable opportunity, like low-hanging fruit waiting to be harvested promptly."
Upon release into the atmosphere, greenhouse gases impede the escape of solar heat, resulting in a warmer Earth. Among these emissions, nitrous oxide ranks third, surpassed solely by carbon dioxide and methane. Familiarly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide exhibits a global warming potential almost 300 times greater than carbon dioxide and persists in the atmosphere for over a century. Additionally, it contributes to the deterioration of the protective ozone layer in the stratosphere. Consequently, the reduction of nitrous oxide emissions offers a dual advantage by safeguarding both the environment and humanity.
The atmospheric levels of nitrous oxide have been rising rapidly in recent years, primarily due to the growing emissions from agriculture. These agricultural emissions account for approximately two-thirds of the total human-caused nitrous oxide worldwide. Nonetheless, reducing these emissions from agricultural sources poses significant challenges. Conversely, the industry and energy sectors have access to cost-effective technologies that can bring down nitrous oxide emissions to almost negligible levels.
The main sources of industrial nitrous oxide emissions originate from the chemical industry, particularly as by-products generated during the production of adipic acid (utilized in nylon manufacturing) and nitric acid (employed in the production of nitrogen fertilizers, adipic acid, and explosives). Additionally, emissions arise from the combustion of fossil fuels in manufacturing processes and from internal combustion engines used in automobiles and trucks.
"According to co-author Wilfried Winiwarter from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, it is widely acknowledged that reducing nitrous oxide emissions is both achievable and economically viable. The emissions trading system implemented by the European Union has created financial incentives for companies to eliminate nitrous oxide emissions in adipic acid and nitric acid plants. Additionally, the German government is providing funding support to mitigate nitrous oxide emissions from nitric acid plants in various low-income and middle-income countries."
The private sector has the potential to significantly contribute to the reduction of nitrous oxide emissions, driven by shifting consumer preferences towards climate-friendly products. An illustrative example is the global utilization of 65% of nitrous oxide emissions in nylon products for passenger cars and light vehicles. Automobile manufacturers can play a vital role by mandating their supply chains to exclusively source nylon from plants that employ efficient nitrous oxide abatement technology. This proactive approach would align with consumer demand and further promote sustainable practices throughout the industry.
The publication titled "Urgent abatement of industrial sources of nitrous oxide" appears in the journal Nature Climate Change. The authors of this study include Eric Davidson from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and Spark Climate Solutions, as well as Wilfried Winiwarter from the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis in Austria and the Institute for Environmental Engineering at the University of Zielona Góra in Poland.
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