COP29 "Sustainable Nitrogen Management for CC, Environ and Food Security"

Sustainable nitrogen management is integral to addressing the climate crisis, promoting biodiversity, and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, the significance of nitrogen management often remains underrepresented in international environmental agreements and policies. The side event was held during COP29 under the aegis of the Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Change at COP29, Azerbaijan on 20th November, 2024. The event highlighted the urgent need for sustainable nitrogen management to address interconnected challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and food security. Coordinator to PM Pakistan on Climate Change emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable nitrogen management as part of its broader climate action framework, and she also highlighted the significance of international collaborations in addressing nitrogen pollution.
Mr. Matsuzawa Yutaka, Vice Minister from Govt of Japan, shared Japan’s advancements in nitrogen management technologies and their integration into national climate policies. He emphasized the need for mitigation of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and highlighted possible future risks of using ammonia as a fuel in the shipping industry. He discussed Japan’s National Nitrogen Action Plan, developed following the UNEA’s call.
Mr. Cristian Beseni, Secretary of State from Govt of Romania, discussed Romania’s experience with nitrogen pollution control in agriculture and water systems. Highlighted the role of UNEP’s Nitrogen Working Group in mobilizing action on sustainable nitrogen management.
Bruno Pozzi, Deputy Executive Director (UNEP) highlighted UNEP’s initiatives in making nitrogen visible globally and linking it to various international agreements and protocols. He appreciated Pakistan’s leadership in global engagement on the issue and reiterated UNEP’s full support.
Prof. Mark Sutton, Director SANH/INMS presented insights from the Global Nitrous Oxide Assessment and the forthcoming International Nitrogen Assessment. He emphasized the co-benefits of sustainable nitrogen management, including economic savings of approximately USD 300 billion annually through halving global nitrogen waste. He also stressed the importance of international collaborations and introduced the concept of "nitro-finance."
Dr. Tariq Aziz, Director for South Asia of International Nitrogen Initiative INI) discussed the unique challenges of South Asia, which supports 25% of the global population on just 4.8% of the world’s landmass. He highlighted the region’s low nitrogen use efficiency and above-average nitrogen emissions, identifying it as a hotspot for nitrogen pollution. He also emphasized ongoing collaborations, such as the South Asia Nitrogen Hub (SANH) and South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP), in developing a South Asia Roadmap for Sustainable Nitrogen Management.
Ms. Eirini Pitsilidi, Global Director of CIWF, advocated for societal shifts, including dietary changes and reduced reliance on animal-based protein, to mitigate nitrogen’s environmental impact. She emphasized the need for ethical and sustainable farming practices as part of broader nitrogen management strategies.
Dr. Muhammad Arif Goheer, Director General of CGCIC, MoCC, Pakistan expressed gratitude to the organizers and panelists on behalf of Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change. He acknowledged the contributions of institutions like the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, in fostering global and national stakeholder engagement for sustainable nitrogen management.
Key Takeaways
1. Interconnectedness of Issues: Effective nitrogen management is pivotal for achieving climate, environmental, and food security goals.
2. Policy Integration: There is a pressing need for incorporating nitrogen management into national and international environmental policies.
3. Technological Innovations: Adoption of advanced nitrogen management technologies can significantly reduce emissions and enhance efficiency.
4. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Partnerships between nations and organizations are critical for addressing global nitrogen challenges.
5. Public Awareness and Education: Increasing awareness about the impacts of nitrogen pollution and sustainable practices is crucial.