Beef and coal are key drivers of Australia's high nitrogen footprint.

ABSTRACT: Anthropogenic release of reactive nitrogen (Nr; all species of N except N₂) to the global nitrogen (N) cycle is substantial and it negatively affects human and ecosystem health. A novel metric, the N footprint, provides a consumer-based perspective for Nr use efficiency and connects lifestyle choices with Nr losses. Here we report the first full-scale assessment of the anthropogenic Nr loss by Australians. Despite its 'clean and green' image, Australia has the largest N footprint (47 kg N cap^-1 yr^-1) both in food and energy sectors among all countries that have used the N-Calculator model. About 69% of the Australia's N footprint is attributed to food consumption and the associated food production, with the rest from energy consumption. Beef consumption and

SUBMITTER: Liang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5180353 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature