Researchers from Leiden University in the Netherlands have developed a dataset of high-resolution maps that detail how food and livestock production in Europe contributes to air pollution. The team combined detailed maps of crops and livestock with fertilizer use records and national farm reports to estimate emissions for 25 agricultural products. The dataset shows that in 2017, European agriculture released 3.5 million tons of ammonia, mostly from cattle, swine, wheat, maize, and grasslands. By tying pollution to specific products and regions, the dataset gives policymakers a clearer picture of how food production drives nitrogen pollution and its effects on health and biodiversity.
Image Credits: caroline gunderson
