Emissions of N2O in Sweden - natural and anthropogenic sources

The present increase of atmospheric N2 O has caused concern since N2 O contributes to the greenhouse effect as well as to the destruction of stratospheric ozone. The purpose of this study is to provide a basis for political decisions on a national level and to identify gaps in our knowledge about the emissions of N2 O. It is estimated that the Swedish emissions of N2 O have approximately doubled due to anthropogenic activities. The natural production of N2 O is dominated by emissions from forest soils. The most significant anthropogenic sources seem to be stationary combustion, traffic and fertilizer use. In order to formulate a rational strategy for decreasing the current level of emission the uncertainty ranges of known sources have to be narrowed, and possible additional sources have to be identified.