London, Feb, 4, 2025: The Environment and Climate Change Committee of the UK Parliament initiated a new inquiry focused on the efficient use of nitrogen. This inquiry aims to address the significant environmental challenges posed by nitrogen pollution, which affects air quality, water resources, and contributes to climate change.
The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee is chaired by Baroness Sheehan.
The inquiry seeks to explore how nitrogen is utilized across various sectors, particularly agriculture, and to assess strategies for improving nitrogen efficiency. This is crucial as inefficient nitrogen use leads to substantial environmental degradation and economic losses in the UK agricultural sector.
Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but its overuse has resulted in severe pollution issues. In the UK, approximately one-third of nitrogen losses to the environment stem from agricultural practices, leading to harmful effects on ecosystems and human health. Nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas released during these processes, is significantly more impactful than carbon dioxide in terms of global warming potential.
The overuse of nitrogen in agriculture is estimated to cost the UK economy around £2.3 billion annually due to wasted resources and environmental damage. This inquiry will consider these economic factors alongside environmental impacts.
The committee’s findings may inform future policies aimed at regulating nitrogen use more effectively, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and mitigating the adverse effects of nitrogen pollution on climate change and biodiversity.