Can Nitrogen Be Used to Combat Climate Change?

Excess nitrogen mitigates carbon dioxide’s effects–but with considerable risk, scientists say

LANSING, Mich.

As the atmosphere’s most abundant element, nitrogen plays a significant role in ecosystems, and one to which scientists and policymakers are paying greater attention. Growing evidence suggests that as humanity pumps more nitrogen into the environment, forests could become bigger carbon sinks and help mitigate climate change. But experts warn that it’s a dangerous experiment that could have serious consequences.

Scientific American