Five priorities for managing nitrogen pollution
02 November 2021 by Joann Cattlin
Nitrogen is essential for life on Earth, but excess can damage the environment. Researchers recommend five areas of focus for management: Production, People, Planet, Policy and Partnerships. Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for all life forms. It acts as the building blocks of biomolecules including proteins and DNA – as well as chlorophyll – the green pigment that allows plants to capture light energy from the sun.
In excess though, reactive nitrogen (known as Nr and including all chemical compounds of nitrogen except N₂) adversely affects the natural environment, ecosystems and human health.