Temporal and spatial evolution of nitrous oxide emissions in China: Assessment, strategy and recommendation

Abstract

Comprehensive assessments and mitigation potential of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are particularly important, especially in China. We report that the total N2O emissions in China increased by 140% from 1978 to 2015, with croplands being the major emitters accounting for 35–48% of the emissions. Over the last 15 years, N2O emissions from industry, aquaculture and waste management have grown rapidly, while those from cropland, livestock, grassland, and human consumption have grown slowly. The spatial differences in China make the assessments of N2O emission patterns complex. Compared with other greenhouse gas emissions (including carbon dioxide, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons ..