Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

• News
• December 06, 2025

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an atmospheric greenhouse and ozone depleting gas, more potent than methane and longer lived than carbon dioxide, but present in lower concentrations, hence “forgotten.” The global atmospheric concentration of N2O has steadily increased, currently at 338 ppb, which is about 40% higher than pre-industrial values. Natural sources include microbial nitrification and denitrification processes, but human activity (fossil fuel combustion, agriculture, deforestation, and other land use changes) currently contributes about 40% of the N2O emission, resulting in a mismatch between natural sources and sinks. We need a better understanding of N2O sources, sinks, mitigation pathways, the regulatory landscape, and human activities that are the drivers of climate disruption and public health consequences.

See, Trends in N2O - NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory