Europe Should Go ‘Demitarian’ To Halve Nitrogen Pollution From Agriculture, Say UN Scientists

A new report commissioned by the UN suggests that Europe should adopt a 'demitarian' approach to agriculture to halve nitrogen pollution by 2030. This involves reducing meat and dairy consumption, cutting food waste, and using fertilisers more efficiently. The report highlights the detrimental effects of nitrogen pollution on biodiversity loss, respiratory and heart conditions, and ozone depletion, stressing the urgency to address this issue.

The study recommends a combination of interventions such as dietary changes, policy evaluations, and investments in agroecological approaches and high-tech food production systems to improve nitrogen management in agriculture. Policy interventions like taxes, subsidies, and behavioral strategies are also recommended to promote a shift towards plant-based diets and reduce the overconsumption of animal-based foods. The report emphasizes the need for a holistic approach involving farmers, industry, government, and consumers to work together and mobilize efforts to reduce nitrogen losses throughout the food system.