Nitrogen Futures

This project aims to update and develop the UK evidence base on the effectiveness of the spatial targeting of mitigation measures for atmospheric nitrogen oxides and ammonia; testing and optimising emission reductions to achieve greatest benefits to ecosystems. This is to inform the targeting of policy in the context of the UK leaving the EU and the implementation of domestic priorities on local, country and UK level in relation to: • reducing total UK nitrogen oxide and ammonia emissions to achieve emission targets • maximising the benefits at local and landscape scales for protected sites, priority habitats and ecosystems. Air pollution, in particular atmospheric nitrogen deposition, is recognised as a major pressure on biodiversity in the UK and a significant threat to protected nature conservation sites , . Many habitats of nature conservation importance in the UK are sensitive to additional reactive nitrogen received from the atmosphere, with effects on both ecosystem structure and function. There is a large evidence base showing that nitrogen deposition has caused changes in the natural environment, both on protected areas and on a large scale in the "wider countryside" across the UK. The UK's report under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive showed atmospheric nitrogen deposition contributes to the unfavourable conservation status of many habitats. The project helps quantify the level of benefit to ecosystems provided by potential emission reduction policies to 2030, 2040 and beyond.