Nitrogen on the table: the influence of food choices on nitrogen emissions and the European environment

Abstract

This ENA Special Report has been prepared by the Expert Panel on Nitrogen and Food of the UNECE Task Force on Reactive Nitrogen. It examines nitrogen and other pollution losses from the food system and assesses the potential impacts of alternative diets on emissions of nitrogen to air and water. It then considers the potential impacts on land-use change and associated greenhouse gas emissions. The study finds that reductions in reactive nitrogen emissions associated with decreased intake of meat and dairy products would have substantial benefits, not only within the EU, but also at continental and global scales. The scenarios also match to consumption patterns that are better aligned with international dietary recommendations