Nitrogen and phosphorus flows

Third part of the series ‘Planetary Boundaries’ 

More atmospheric nitrogen is now produced by human activities than by all terrestrial processes put together. In the Netherlands, there is a growing discussion between farmers and politicians about the right approach to reduce nitrogen emissions. Why is this so important? What are the consequences on a local scale? And how are nitrogen and phosphorus influencing nature on a global scale?  

 

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Learning activity

Breaking Boundaries - Nitrogen and phosphorus flows

  • Get to know what the role of nitrogen and phosphorus are in nature 
  • Find out what the tipping points are for this boundary 
  • Learn about the consequences of human-made nitrogen and phosphorus 

The cycles of nitrogen and phosphorus have been radically changed by humans, primarily as a result of industrial and agricultural processes. A substantial amount of the applied nitrogen and phosphorus makes its way to the ocean, where it can push aquatic and marine ecosystems past their own ecological limits. A regional example is the reduction in shrimp catch in the ‘dead zone’ of the Gulf of Mexico as a result of the fertilizer transported via rivers from the US. 

Breaking Boundaries

During the academic year 2022-2023, the New Energy Academy will elaborate on the nine planetary boundaries. Inspired by the documentary ‘Breaking Boundaries’ from Sir David Attenborough and Johan Rockström, the New Energy Academy brings you more insights about sustainability and shows you what is needed to become a sustainable and nature-inclusive society. You can find the documentary on Netflix.

Image: J. Lokrantz/Azote based on Steffen et al. 2015.

  • Thu 15 December
  • 15:00 - 16:00 (CET)
  • Online
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Wim de Vries

Research scientist at Wageningen University and Research