| Event Name: | What would a global policy to regulate human use of fixed nitrogen look like? |
| Description: | The natural global cycling of nitrogen through terrestrial and marine ecosystems with important transfers to and from the atmosphere is vital for the Earth’s life support systems. Over the last century human activities have taken control of the source terms in the nitrogen cycle, so that two thirds of the fixed nitrogen circulating globally results directly from human activity through combustion and industrial nitrogen fixation.
Approximately half of the global human population relies on fertilizer nitrogen for food, yet fixed nitrogen in the atmosphere and in terrestrial and marine ecosystems represents a threat to human health, biodiversity and climate. The atmosphere transfers fixed nitrogen efficiently across international borders, and many of the effects occur far from the source. There are controls over specific components of the nitrogen cycle in some countries, but these are not integrated in a meaningful way and the time will come when a global strategy to manage the benefits and risks effectively may be necessary. This meeting brings together scientists and environmental policy makers to discuss the issues free from the constraints of political realities. |
| Type of Event: | Science Events |
| Event Agenda: | Organised by Professor David Fowler CBE FRS
This meeting is free to attend with limited places available. If you would like to be considered as a participant, please email with the following details: name, position, organisation and a short paragraphy explaining your expertise and reasons for attending. Applications will be considered by the organisers. |
| Event Location: | Kavli Royal Society International Centre |
| Event City: | London |
| Type of Venue: | Community Center |
| Station/Stop: | |
| Directions: | |
| Event Start Date | 07-Dec-11 |