United States of America

Indicators

Excess nitrogen per hectare of cropland single year 59.9 kg per hectare (2009) —

Excess nitrogen from croplands single year 8.02 Mt (2009) —

Share of global excess nitrogen from croplands single year 10.7 % (2009) —

Amount of N added to cropland through biological fixation 7.1 Mt (2023) +324%

Value 7.1 Mt (2023)

Change since 1961 +324.0%

Amount of N added to cropland through biological fixation, per hectare of cropland 45.9 kg/ha (2023) +400%

Value 45.9 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +400.1%

N balance in agroecosystems 12.8 Mt (2019) -5%

Value 12.8 Mt (2019)

Change since 1985 -5.1%

Which countries overapplied nitrogen without gains in crop yields? single year -54.4 % (2020) —

N fertilizer consumption per capita 12.4 kg/person (2023) +13%

Value 12.4 kg/person (2023)

Change since 1961 +12.8%

Nitrogen applied from organic fertilizers (excluding livestock manure) 12.4 kt (2019) +465%

Value 12.4 kt (2019)

Change since 1985 +464.7%

Nitrogen applied from inorganic fertilizers 12 Mt (2019) +15%

Value 12 Mt (2019)

Change since 1985 +14.7%

Nitrogen produced from cattle manure 6.2 Mt (2019) -12%

Value 6.2 Mt (2019)

Change since 1985 -12.0%

Nitrogen produced from pig manure 620 kt (2019) +73%

Value 620 kt (2019)

Change since 1985 +73.5%

Total nitrogen fertilizer production 13.3 kt (2020) +34%

Value 13.3 kt (2020)

Change since 2000 +33.9%

Definition (source: OECD): From the online data portal FAOSTAT maintained by the Statistics Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) : 'Nutrient nitrogen' is defined as total nitrogen (N) from all fertilizer products. The 'Fertilizers by Nutrient' domain contains information on agricultural use, production, and trade of chemical and mineral fertilizers, in tonnes of nutrient, for the three main plant nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (expressed as P2O5) and potassium (expressed as K2O). The main data source for production and agricultural use is the FAOSTAT Fertilizers questionnaire, complemented with national publications when available. Agricultural use of fertilizers refers to the use for crops, livestock, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, excluding use for animal feed. Industrial uses are excluded, to the extent allowed by data availability. Tonnes of nutrient nitrogen are calculated using conversion factors applied to volumes of nitrogenous fertilizers. For more information, please see: http://fenixservices.fao.org/faostat/static/documents/RFN/RFN_EN_README.pdf

Citation: OECD (2024). "Nutrient nitrogen production," Africa's Development Dynamics (AfDD): Table 23 - Ecological sustainability, OECD Data Explorer, https://data-explorer.oecd.org/vis?lc=en&tm=nitrogen&pg=0&snb=15&df[ds]=dsDisseminateFinalDMZ&df[id]=DSD_AFDD_STAT_ANNEX%40DF_TAB23&df[ag]=OECD.DEV.EMEA&df[vs]=1.0&dq=......A&pd=,&to[TIME_PERIOD]=false&vw=ov

Total nitrogen fertilizer production 339 kt (2023) -85%

Value 339 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 -85.4%

Nitrogen fertilizer consumption per hectare of arable land 128 kg/ha (2023) +209%

Value 128 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +209.2%

Total nitrogen inputs to crops single year 13.7 Mt (2009) —

Nitrogen inputs per hectare of cropland single year 104 kg/ha (2009) —

Nitrogen fertilizer use per hectare of cropland 59.1 kg/ha (2023) +356%

Value 59.1 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +355.9%

Total N fertilizer production 13.8 Mt (2023) +354%

Value 13.8 Mt (2023)

Change since 1961 +354.2%

N fertilizer imports 3.84 Mt (2023) +1085%

Value 3.84 Mt (2023)

Change since 1961 +1085.0%

N fertilizer exports 2.04 Mt (2023) +852%

Value 2.04 Mt (2023)

Change since 1961 +852.1%

N fertilizer use per capita 33.3 kg/ person (2023) +107%

Value 33.3 kg/ person (2023)

Change since 1961 +106.5%

Agricultural use of N fertilizer 11.4 Mt (2023) +287%

Value 11.4 Mt (2023)

Change since 1961 +286.6%

N fertilizers use per area of cropland 59.1 kg/ha (2023) +356%

Value 59.1 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +355.9%

Amount of N added to cropland through synthetic fertilizers, per hectare of cropland 59.6 kg/ha (2023) +352%

Value 59.6 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +352.1%

Amount of N added to cropland through animal manure 1.58 Mt (2023) -6%

Value 1.58 Mt (2023)

Change since 1961 -5.6%

Amount of N added to cropland through animal manure, per hectare of cropland 10.2 kg/ha (2023) +11%

Value 10.2 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +11.4%

N fertilizer use per value of agricultural production 30.3 g per $ (2023) +60%

Value 30.3 g per $ (2023)

Change since 1961 +59.8%

Agricultural use of nutrient nitrogen 11.6 kt (2020) +9%

Value 11.6 kt (2020)

Change since 2000 +8.6%

Definition (source: OECD): From the online data portal FAOSTAT maintained by the Statistics Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) : 'Nutrient nitrogen' is defined as total nitrogen (N) from all fertilizer products. The 'Fertilizers by Nutrient' domain contains information on agricultural use, production, and trade of chemical and mineral fertilizers, in tonnes of nutrient, for the three main plant nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (expressed as P2O5) and potassium (expressed as K2O). The main data source for production and agricultural use is the FAOSTAT Fertilizers questionnaire, complemented with national publications when available. Agricultural use of fertilizers refers to the use for crops, livestock, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, excluding use for animal feed. Industrial uses are excluded, to the extent allowed by data availability. Tonnes of nutrient nitrogen are calculated using conversion factors applied to volumes of nitrogenous fertilizers. For more information, please see: https://fenixservices.fao.org/faostat/static/documents/RFN/RFN_EN_README.pdf

Citation: OECD (2024). "Agricultural use of nutrient nitrogen," Africa's Development Dynamics (AfDD): Table 23 - Ecological sustainability, OECD Data Explorer, https://data-explorer.oecd.org/vis?lc=en&tm=nitrogen&pg=0&snb=15&df[ds]=dsDisseminateFinalDMZ&df[id]=DSD_AFDD_STAT_ANNEX%40DF_TAB23&df[ag]=OECD.DEV.EMEA&df[vs]=1.0&dq=......A&pd=,&to[TIME_PERIOD]=false&vw=ov

Agricultural use of ammonia (anhydrous) 3.3 Mt (2022) -20%

Value 3.3 Mt (2022)

Change since 2012 -19.8%

Export of ammonia (anhydrous) 1.04 Mt (2024) +83%

Value 1.04 Mt (2024)

Change since 2002 +82.6%

Export value of ammonia (anhydrous) 329 M$ (2024) +304%

Value 329 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +303.6%

Import of ammonia (anhydrous) 2.07 Mt (2024) -65%

Value 2.07 Mt (2024)

Change since 2002 -65.0%

Import value of ammonia (anhydrous) 1.22 B$ (2024) +97%

Value 1.22 B$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +97.0%

Production of ammonia (anhydrous) 6.68 Mt (2022) +223%

Value 6.68 Mt (2022)

Change since 2013 +223.4%

Agricultural use of ammonium nitrate 622 kt (2022) -18%

Value 622 kt (2022)

Change since 2008 -18.3%

Export of ammonium nitrate 1.01 Mt (2024) +717%

Value 1.01 Mt (2024)

Change since 2002 +717.0%

Export value of ammonium nitrate 319 M$ (2024) +1456%

Value 319 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +1456.2%

Import of ammonium nitrate 289 kt (2024) -59%

Value 289 kt (2024)

Change since 2002 -58.8%

Import value of ammonium nitrate 93.6 M$ (2024) +15%

Value 93.6 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +14.8%

Production of ammonium nitrate 1.03 Mt (2022) -54%

Value 1.03 Mt (2022)

Change since 2008 -53.7%

Agricultural use of ammonium sulphate 1.62 Mt (2022) +38%

Value 1.62 Mt (2022)

Change since 2008 +38.2%

Export of ammonium sulphate 470 kt (2024) -37%

Value 470 kt (2024)

Change since 2002 -37.2%

Export value of ammonium sulphate 96.2 M$ (2024) +47%

Value 96.2 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +47.2%

Import of ammonium sulphate (Tonnes) 1.07 Mt (2024) +180%

Value 1.07 Mt (2024)

Change since 2002 +179.6%

Import value of ammonium sulphate (1000 USD) 360 M$ (2024) +1186%

Value 360 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +1186.3%

Production of ammonium sulphate (Tonnes) 2.97 Mt (2022) +6%

Value 2.97 Mt (2022)

Change since 2008 +6.0%

Export of calcium ammonium nitrate and other mixtures with calcium carbonate 3.48 kt (2024) -14%

Value 3.48 kt (2024)

Change since 2002 -14.3%

Export value of calcium ammonium nitrate and other mixtures with calcium carbonate 1.64 M$ (2024) +66%

Value 1.64 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +65.8%

Import of calcium ammonium nitrate and other mixtures with calcium carbonate 43.2 kt (2024) -89%

Value 43.2 kt (2024)

Change since 2002 -88.8%

Import value of calcium ammonium nitrate and other mixtures with calcium carbonate 16.1 M$ (2024) -52%

Value 16.1 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 -51.6%

Amount of N added to cropland through synthetic fertilizers 9.22 Mt N (2023) +283%

Value 9.22 Mt N (2023)

Change since 1961 +283.3%

Export of fertilizers n.e.c. 385 kt (2024) +237%

Value 385 kt (2024)

Change since 2002 +237.0%

Export value of fertilizers n.e.c. 318 M$ (2024) +375%

Value 318 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +375.0%

Import of fertilizers n.e.c. 185 kt (2024) +182%

Value 185 kt (2024)

Change since 2002 +182.4%

Import value of fertilizers n.e.c. 174 M$ (2024) +915%

Value 174 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +915.4%

Agricultural use of NPK fertilizers 5.97 Mt (2022) -10%

Value 5.97 Mt (2022)

Change since 2008 -10.4%

Export of NPK fertilizers 300 kt (2024) +116%

Value 300 kt (2024)

Change since 2002 +115.9%

Export value of NPK fertilizers 300 M$ (2024) +116%

Value 300 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +115.9%

Import of NPK fertilizers 201 kt (2024) +80%

Value 201 kt (2024)

Change since 2002 +80.5%

Import value of NPK fertilizers 139 M$ (2024) +287%

Value 139 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +286.6%

Agricultural use of other nitrogenous fertilizers 1.13 Mt (2015) -33%

Value 1.13 Mt (2015)

Change since 2012 -32.5%

Export of other nitrogenous fertilizers 102 kt (2024) -18%

Value 102 kt (2024)

Change since 2002 -17.7%

Export value of other nitrogenous fertilizers 79.8 M$ (2024) +165%

Value 79.8 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +164.5%

Import of other nitrogenous fertilizers 892 kt (2024) +254%

Value 892 kt (2024)

Change since 2002 +254.2%

Import value of other nitrogenous fertilizers 264 M$ (2024) +966%

Value 264 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +966.2%

Agriculture use of urea 6.29 Mt (2022) +28%

Value 6.29 Mt (2022)

Change since 2008 +27.6%

Agriculture use of urea and ammonium nitrate solutions 10.6 Mt (2022) +14%

Value 10.6 Mt (2022)

Change since 2008 +14.1%

Export of urea and ammonium nitrate solutions 1.57 Mt (2024) +1866%

Value 1.57 Mt (2024)

Change since 2002 +1866.5%

Export value of urea and ammonium nitrate solutions 235 M$ (2024) +2717%

Value 235 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +2716.8%

Import value of urea and ammonium nitrate solutions 594 M$ (2024) +434%

Value 594 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +433.6%

Production of urea and ammonium nitrate solutions 11.4 Mt (2022) +35%

Value 11.4 Mt (2022)

Change since 2008 +34.8%

Import of urea and ammonium nitrate solutions 2.14 Mt (2024) +49%

Value 2.14 Mt (2024)

Change since 2002 +49.5%

Export of urea 967 kt (2024) -11%

Value 967 kt (2024)

Change since 2002 -10.6%

Export value of urea 395 M$ (2024) +182%

Value 395 M$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +181.6%

Import of urea 5.1 Mt (2024) +36%

Value 5.1 Mt (2024)

Change since 2002 +36.0%

Import value of urea 1.87 B$ (2024) +259%

Value 1.87 B$ (2024)

Change since 2002 +259.1%

Production of urea 5.93 Mt (2022) +129%

Value 5.93 Mt (2022)

Change since 2008 +128.6%

N lost from croplands through volatilisation 3.22 Mt (2023) +166%

Value 3.22 Mt (2023)

Change since 1961 +165.6%

N added onto cropland from atmospheric deposition 1.14 Mt (2023) -2%

Value 1.14 Mt (2023)

Change since 1961 -2.1%

N added onto cropland from atmospheric deposition, per hectare of cropland 7.35 kg/ha (2023) +16%

Value 7.35 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +15.5%

N lost from croplands through leaching 1,229,429 kg/ha and ton (2023) +116%

Value 1,229,429 kg/ha and ton (2023)

Change since 1961 +115.5%

N lost from croplands through leaching, per hectare of cropland 7.95 kg/ha (2023) +154%

Value 7.95 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +154.2%

N lost from croplands through volatilisation, per hectare of cropland (kg/ha) 20.8 kg/ha (2023) +213%

Value 20.8 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +213.3%

Amount of N removed from cropland through crop harvesting 13.8 Mt (2023) +210%

Value 13.8 Mt (2023)

Change since 1961 +209.5%

Amount of N removed from cropland through crop residue 1.99 Mt (2023) +65%

Value 1.99 Mt (2023)

Change since 1961 +65.1%

Amount of N removed from cropland through crop harvesting, per hectare of cropland 89 kg/ha (2023) +265%

Value 89 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +265.1%

Amount of N removed from cropland through crop residue, per hectare of cropland 12.8 kg/ha (2023) +95%

Value 12.8 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +94.8%

Nitrogen use efficiency 71.6 % (2014) -0%

Value 71.6 % (2014)

Change since 1961 -0.4%

Share of monitoring sites located in agricultural areas that exceed recommended drinking water limits for nitrate, for ground water single year 20 % (2000) —

Percentage of monitoring sites located in agricultural areas that exceed recommended drinking water limits for nitrate, for surface water 10 % (2002) +0%

Value 10 % (2002)

Change since 2000 +0.0%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) Emissions from agriculture 138 Mt CO₂e (2024) +29%

Value 138 Mt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 +29.0%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from forestlands 9.27 Gt CO₂e (2021) +286%

Value 9.27 Gt CO₂e (2021)

Change since 1990 +285.8%

Ammonia (NH₃) emissions from agriculture 4.22 Mt (2021) +25%

Value 4.22 Mt (2021)

Change since 1990 +24.9%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from agriculture 151,930 Gt CO₂e (2023) +7%

Value 151,930 Gt CO₂e (2023)

Change since 1990 +7.2%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from agriculture per capita 442 t CO₂e/person (2023) -21%

Value 442 t CO₂e/person (2023)

Change since 1990 -20.9%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for barley 0.761 t (2023) -59%

Value 0.761 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -59.3%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for dry beans 0.14 t (2023) +0%

Value 0.14 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +0.0%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for maize 47.9 t (2023) +291%

Value 47.9 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +291.4%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for millet 0.0802 t (2023) +284%

Value 0.0802 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +283.7%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for oats 0.147 t (2023) -95%

Value 0.147 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -95.2%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for potatoes 0.447 t (2023) +9%

Value 0.447 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +8.7%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for rice 1.55 t (2023) +215%

Value 1.55 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +215.3%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for rye 0.0494 t (2023) -69%

Value 0.0494 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -68.6%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for sorghum 1.29 t (2023) -37%

Value 1.29 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -37.4%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for soya beans 21.7 t (2023) +376%

Value 21.7 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +376.1%

Direct N₂O emissions from crop residues, for wheat 10 t (2023) +34%

Value 10 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +34.3%

N₂O emissions from burning crop residues, for maize 2.45 t (2023) +50%

Value 2.45 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +50.1%

N₂O emissions from burning crop residues, for sugar cane 0.0172 t (2023) +112%

Value 0.0172 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +112.3%

N₂O emissions from burning crop residues, for rice 0.0445 t (2023) +79%

Value 0.0445 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +79.4%

N₂O emissions from burning crop residues, for wheat 0.422 t (2023) -28%

Value 0.422 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -27.7%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for barley 0.171 t (2023) -59%

Value 0.171 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -59.3%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for dry beans 0.0315 t (2023) +0%

Value 0.0315 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +0.0%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for maize 10.8 t (2023) +291%

Value 10.8 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +291.4%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for millet 0.0181 t (2023) +285%

Value 0.0181 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +285.1%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for oats 0.0332 t (2023) -95%

Value 0.0332 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -95.1%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for potatoes 0.101 t (2023) +9%

Value 0.101 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +8.6%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for rice 0.349 t (2023) +215%

Value 0.349 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +215.4%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for rye 0.0111 t (2023) -69%

Value 0.0111 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -68.6%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for sorghum 0.291 t (2023) -37%

Value 0.291 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -37.4%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for soya beans 4.87 t (2023) +376%

Value 4.87 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +376.0%

Indirect N₂O emissions from crop residues, for wheat 2.25 t (2023) +34%

Value 2.25 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +34.3%

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for barley 932 t (2023) -59%

Value 932 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -59.3%

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for dry beans 172 t (2023) +0%

Value 172 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +0.1%

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for maize 58.7 kt (2023) +291%

Value 58.7 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +291.4%

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for millet 98.3 t (2023) +284%

Value 98.3 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +284.0%

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for oats 181 t (2023) -95%

Value 181 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -95.2%

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for potatoes (kt) 547 t (2023) +9%

Value 547 t (2023)

Change since 1961 +8.6%

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for rice 1.9 kt (2023) +215%

Value 1.9 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +215.3%

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for rye 60.6 t (2023) -69%

Value 60.6 t (2023)

Change since 1961 -68.6%

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for sorghum 1.58 kt (2023) -37%

Value 1.58 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 -37.4%

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for soya beans 26.5 kt (2023) +376%

Value 26.5 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +376.0%

N₂O emissions from crop residues, for wheat 12.3 kt (2023) +34%

Value 12.3 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +34.3%

Amount of N added to cropland through planting seeds 248 kt (2023) +57%

Value 248 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +57.1%

N content from crop residues, for barley 48.4 kt (2023) -59%

Value 48.4 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 -59.3%

N content from crop residues, for dry beans 8.92 kt (2023) +0%

Value 8.92 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +0.1%

N content from crop residues, for maize 3.05 Mt (2023) +291%

Value 3.05 Mt (2023)

Change since 1961 +291.4%

N content from crop residues, for millet 5.11 kt (2023) +284%

Value 5.11 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +284.0%

N content from crop residues, for oats 5.11 kt (2023) +284%

Value 5.11 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +284.0%

N content from crop residues, for potatoes 28.4 kt (2023) +9%

Value 28.4 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +8.6%

N content from crop residues, for rice 98.7 kt (2023) +215%

Value 98.7 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +215.3%

N content from crop residues, for rye 3.15 kt (2023) -69%

Value 3.15 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 -68.6%

N content from crop residues, for sorghum 82.3 kt (2023) -37%

Value 82.3 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 -37.4%

N content from crop residues, for soya beans 1.38 Mt (2023) +376%

Value 1.38 Mt (2023)

Change since 1961 +376.0%

N content from crop residues, for wheat 637 kt (2023) +34%

Value 637 kt (2023)

Change since 1961 +34.3%

Amount of N added to cropland through planting seeds, per hectare of cropland 1.6 kg/ha (2023) +85%

Value 1.6 kg/ha (2023)

Change since 1961 +85.3%

Total nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, excluding LULUCF 216 Mt CO₂e (2024) -15%

Value 216 Mt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 -14.8%

Total nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, excluding LULUCF (% change from 1990) -3.46 % change (2024) -165%

Value -3.46 % change (2024)

Change since 1991 -165.1%

Ammonia (NH₃) emissions 4.69 Mt (2021) +20%

Value 4.69 Mt (2021)

Change since 1990 +19.8%

Total nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, excluding LULUCF 399 Gt CO₂e (2022) -3%

Value 399 Gt CO₂e (2022)

Change since 1990 -3.4%

Total man-made nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) emissions 6.43 kt (2023) -72%

Value 6.43 kt (2023)

Change since 1990 -71.8%

Total man-made ammonia (NH₃) emissions 4.5 kt (2023) +781%

Value 4.5 kt (2023)

Change since 1990 +780.9%

N₂O emissions from all sectors 239,599 Gt CO₂e (2024) +654%

Value 239,599 Gt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1850 +653.8%

Share of global nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions 8.16 % (2024) -63%

Value 8.16 % (2024)

Change since 1850 -63.1%

Definition (source: Our World in Data): A dataset describing the global warming response to national emissions CO2, CH4 and N2O from fossil and land use sources during 1851-2024. National CO2 emissions data are collated from the Global Carbon Project (Andrew and Peters, 2025; Friedlingstein et al., 2025). National CH4 and N2O emissions data are collated from PRIMAP-hist (HISTTP) (Gütschow et al., 2024). We construct a time series of cumulative CO2-equivalent emissions for each country, gas, and emissions source (fossil or land use). Emissions of CH4 and N2O emissions are related to cumulative CO2-equivalent emissions using the Global Warming Potential (GWP*) approach, with best-estimates of the coefficients taken from the IPCC AR6 (Forster et al., 2021). Warming in response to cumulative CO2-equivalent emissions is estimated using the transient climate response to cumulative carbon emissions (TCRE) approach, with best-estimate value of TCRE taken from the IPCC AR6 (Forster et al., 2021, Canadell et al., 2021). 'Warming' is specifically the change in global mean surface temperature (GMST). The data files provide emissions, cumulative emissions and the GMST response by country, gas (CO2, CH4, N2O or 3-GHG total) and source (fossil emissions, land use emissions or the total).

Citation: Jones et al. (2025) – with major processing by Our World in Data. “Share of global nitrous oxide emissions” [dataset]. Jones et al., “National contributions to climate change 2025.1” [original data]. Retrieved September 21, 2026 from https://archive.ourworldindata.org/20260910-011030/grapher/share-nitrous-oxide-emissions.html (archived on September 10, 2026).

N₂O from all sectors per capita single year 10.7 Mt CO2e/ person (2009) —

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) Emissions from buildings (Energy) 5.54 Mt CO₂e (2024) -11%

Value 5.54 Mt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 -10.6%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from fugitive emissions (Energy) 309 kt CO₂e (2024) +13%

Value 309 kt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 +12.7%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from industrial combustion (Energy) 2 Mt CO₂e (2024) -40%

Value 2 Mt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 -40.0%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from industrial processes 33.9 Mt CO₂e (2024) -71%

Value 33.9 Mt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 -70.7%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from power industry (Energy) 5.58 Mt CO₂e (2024) +39%

Value 5.58 Mt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 +38.7%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from transport (Energy) 20.7 Mt CO₂e (2024) +65%

Value 20.7 Mt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 +65.3%

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from waste 9.94 Mt CO₂e (2024) +130%

Value 9.94 Mt CO₂e (2024)

Change since 1970 +130.3%

Population (total) 342 M (2025) +89%

Value 342 M (2025)

Change since 1960 +89.2%

GDP (current US$) 30.8 T$ (2025) +5577%

Value 30.8 T$ (2025)

Change since 1960 +5577.2%

GDP per capita (current US$) 90 k$ (2025) +2901%

Value 90 k$ (2025)

Change since 1960 +2901.0%

Cropland area (% of land area) 0.347 % of land area (2023) +69%

Value 0.347 % of land area (2023)

Change since 1961 +69.0%

Number of Public Policies (All Years) single year 10 policies (2018) —

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) 0.943 % of GDP (2021) -29%

Value 0.943 % of GDP (2021)

Change since 1997 -29.5%

Cropland area (hectares) 154,734,130 ha (2023) -15%

Value 154,734,130 ha (2023)

Change since 1961 -15.2%

Socio-economic Information

N₂O Emissions by Sector

Indicators

Nitrogen-Related Policies & Regulations