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Global Atmospheric Nitrous Oxide Concentration

Provided by: Our World in Data |Published on: July 20, 2021

Data, Graphs, and Maps

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Synopsis

This interactive chart allows students to explore the global atmospheric concentration of nitrous oxide (N₂O) over time.
The chart can be customized to show a specific date range (starting in 1750) and can be downloaded.

Subjects: Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences, Mathematics

Authors: Hannah Ritchie, Max Roser

Region: Global

Languages: English

Positives

Students can click the "play" arrow below the chart or table to see how the data has changed over time.
The resource uses data published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) from the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE).

Additional Prerequisites

Differentiation

This resource could be useful in a discussion about sustainability, the ozone layer, and the impacts of industrial farming.
Cross-curricular connections could be made with math classes when working with data and graphs.
Other resources related to this topic include this graph and table on nitrous oxide emissions by sector and this map of nitrous oxide emissions
Students could research the following questions:
- How potent is nitrous oxide as a greenhouse gas?
- How much nitrous oxide is released from fertilizer and livestock waste lagoons?
- How does fertilizer use contribute to eutrophication and dead zones?
- How potent is nitrous oxide as an ozone-damaging gas?

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.