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Managing urban development could halve nitrogen pollution in China

Author

Listed:
  • Ouping Deng

    (Zhejiang University
    Sichuan Agricultural University)

  • Sitong Wang

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Jiangyou Ran

    (Sichuan Agricultural University)

  • Shuai Huang

    (Sichuan Agricultural University)

  • Xiuming Zhang

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Jiakun Duan

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Lin Zhang

    (Peking University)

  • Yongqiu Xia

    (Changshu National Agr-Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Stefan Reis

    (DLR Projekttraeger)

  • Jiayu Xu

    (Peking University)

  • Jianming Xu

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Wim Vries

    (Wageningen University & Research)

  • Mark A. Sutton

    (Bush Estate, Penicuik)

  • Baojing Gu

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

Abstract

Halving nitrogen pollution is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, how to reduce nitrogen pollution from multiple sources remains challenging. Here we show that reactive nitrogen (Nr) pollution could be roughly halved by managed urban development in China by 2050, with NH3, NOx and N2O atmospheric emissions declining by 44%, 30% and 33%, respectively, and Nr to water bodies by 53%. While rural-urban migration increases point-source nitrogen emissions in metropolitan areas, it promotes large-scale farming, reducing rural sewage and agricultural non-point-source pollution, potentially improving national air and water quality. An investment of approximately US$ 61 billion in waste treatment, land consolidation, and livestock relocation yields an overall benefit of US$ 245 billion. This underscores the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of halving Nr pollution through urbanization, contributing significantly to SDG1 (No poverty), SDG2 (Zero hunger), SDG6 (Clean water), SDG12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG14 (Climate Action), and so on.

Suggested Citation

  • Ouping Deng & Sitong Wang & Jiangyou Ran & Shuai Huang & Xiuming Zhang & Jiakun Duan & Lin Zhang & Yongqiu Xia & Stefan Reis & Jiayu Xu & Jianming Xu & Wim Vries & Mark A. Sutton & Baojing Gu, 2024. "Managing urban development could halve nitrogen pollution in China," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-44685-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44685-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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