Nitrogen
The Netherlands has to dramatically reduce nitrogen emissions to meet nature conservation obligations or face the consequences. But how to do it effectively and fairly has become a pain point in Dutch politics, sparking massive protests by farmers and raising difficult questions over how to transition to sustainable food systems.
Researchers at Utrecht University study the nitrogen crisis in connection with the agricultural sector’s broader challenges of water quality, clean air, climate, circularity and animal welfare – offering a new perspective for the future of agriculture.
Nitrogen boundaries exceeded in many world regions
Humanity is exceeding planetary boundaries for nitrogen use. For the first time, scientists have now mapped those exceedances regionally, showing that some countries are emitting far too much nitrogen, whereas others could use more nitrogen for food production.
The European Union needs a nutrient directive
The ongoing nitrogen crisis in the Netherlands and Flanders illustrates how ineffective management of nutrients can lead to both serious ecological damage and political and societal upheaval. An integrated directive is needed, scientists urge.
Veterinarians: put the animal at the center of the transition to a more sustainable livestock industry
The existing nitrogen reduction policy focuses on reducing the livestock population. However, this does not guarantee good health and welfare of the remaining animals.
Report 'Standardisation and pricing of nitrogen emissions' presented to Dutch parliament
The study puts forward recommendations for a structural approach to the nitrogen emissions problem in the Netherlands.
Our experts
- Nitrogen and biodiversity
- Nitrogen policies and governance
- Environmental history and medical/veterinary history of industrial livestock
- Legal aspects of nitrogen crisis
- Nitrogen, air pollution and health effects