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.
Emissions of the greenhouse gas N2O have risen sharply
According to a new international report, the emissions of N2O (nitrous oxide) increased by 40 percent between 1980 and 2020. Two researchers from Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences are involved in the research.
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.
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
dr. Junjie Wang
Email: j.wang3@uu.nl- Human-driven changes in nitrogen sources, transport, pollution, emissions and impacts
