Ammonia abatement in Australia for environmental improvement?
Ammonia (NH3) is a significant contributor to air pollution, soil acidification, eutrophication, and biodiversity loss. Despite these harmful effects, ammonia has not faced the same stringent regulations as other pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Yet, NH3 plays an increasingly dominant role in nitrogen loss to the atmosphere. Reducing these emissions is critical for achieving global environmental goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Agricultural fertiliser use and the livestock industry are significant contributors to NH3 in the environment. Countries like China and Canada have taken significant steps toward assessing their potential to mitigate NH3 emissions, with promising results. China has identified more than 50% mitigation potential, while Canada estimates around 30%. These reductions come with substantial societal benefits, particularly in improving human health and restoring ecosystems. Similarly in Europe, all EU member states have set firm NH3 reduction commitments for 2020 and 2030 as part of the European air quality regulatory framework. These efforts are expected to yield both economic and social benefits across the continent, contributing to cleaner air and healthier ecosystems.
Despite the progress made by some regions, many countries, including Australia, still fall behind in awareness and policy initiatives aimed at NH3 reduction. Thus, researchers at the ARC Hub for Smart Fertilisers conducted a comprehensive analysis of the costs and benefits of NH3 abatement in Australia with key findings as follows:
- Cropping and livestock systems are identified as priority sectors for NH3 mitigation in Australia.
- NH3 mitigation is strongly in Australia’s interest with a high benefit-cost ratio.
- NH3 mitigation should be integrated into the actions to reduce GHG emission and will require integration with the current climate policy.
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