Report on Nitrous Oxide Emissions

Source– This post on Report on Nitrous Oxide Emissions is based on the article “Study ranks India second in nitrous oxide emissions” published in “The Hindu” on 14th June 2024.

Why in the News?

A new report published by the Global Carbon Project reveals that planet-warming nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions increased by 40 percent between 1980 and 2020.

Highlights of the Report on Nitrous Oxide Emissions

1. Global Impact

i) Nitrous oxide is the third most significant greenhouse gas, after carbon dioxide and methane.

ii) Over 100 years, nitrous oxide is 273 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

iii)  The increase in greenhouse gases has already raised the Earth’s average surface temperature by 1.15 degrees Celsius compared to the 1850-1900 average.

iv)  Anthropogenic nitrous oxide emissions contribute to about 0.1 degrees Celsius of this warming.

2. Emission Trends

i)  Nitrous oxide emissions grew by 40% between 1980 and 2020.

ii)  China is the largest emitter, followed by India and the United States. The top 10 emitters are China, India, the United States, Brazil, Russia, Pakistan, Australia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Canada.

3. Major Sources

i)  Seventy-four percent of nitrous oxide emissions over the last decade originated from agricultural practices, specifically the use of nitrogen fertilizers and animal manure.

ii) Other significant sources include industrial activities and the burning of forests or agricultural waste.

4) Atmospheric Concentration

i) In 2022, the concentration of nitrous oxide in the atmosphere reached 336 parts per billion.

ii)  This concentration is 25% higher than the levels seen before the industrial age (1850-1900) and significantly surpasses the predictions made by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

About Nitrous oxide

1. Nitrous oxide is commonly known as laughing gas or happy gas.

2. It is a colorless, odorless, and non-flammable gas. While nitrous oxide is not flammable, it supports combustion similarly to oxygen. It leads to a state of euphoria, explaining its nickname ‘laughing gas.’

3. Nitrous oxide is soluble in water, and its vapors are heavier than air.

4. Applications: 

i) Medical Use: Nitrous oxide is commonly used by dentists and medical professionals to sedate patients undergoing minor medical procedures.

ii) Food Industry: The gas is also used as a propellant in food aerosols.

iii) Automotive Industry: It is used in the automotive industry to enhance engine performance.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment