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The European nitrogen case.

Klaas van Egmond¹, Ton Bresser, Lex Bouwman

¹National Institute of Public Health and Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands. nd.van.egmond@rivm.nl

|June 25, 2002

Summary

Europe

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Biogeochemistry
Ecosystem Health

Background:

The European nitrogen (N) cycle is significantly accelerated.
Reactive nitrogen species leak from food, energy, and industrial systems.
These leaks impact human health and ecosystems.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify the primary drivers of the accelerated European N cycle.
To assess the environmental and health impacts of reactive N leaks.
To inform future European environmental policy for N cycle management.

Main Methods:

Analysis of the European N budget.
Estimation of reactive N species leaks from production systems.
Assessment of impacts on human health and ecosystems.

Main Results:

Fertilizer production (14 Mt N yr-1) is the largest driver.
Product imports (7.6 Mt N yr-1) and fossil fuel combustion (3.3 Mt N yr-1) are significant contributors.
Reactive N leaks have detrimental effects on European environments.

Conclusions:

Policy should focus on the three main drivers: fertilizer production, imports, and fossil fuel use.
Integrated policies regulating N flows, fertilizer use, and imports are crucial.
Critical loads can guide N-emission ceilings and policy development.

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