Societal benefits of halving agricultural ammonia emissions in China far exceed the abatement costs

Mitigating agricultural ammonia (NH3) emissions in China is crucial for human and ecosystem health. This study comprehensively analyzes the marginal abatement costs and societal benefits of NH3 mitigation in China. The technical mitigation potential is 38–67% (4.0–7.1 Tg N), with costs estimated at US$6–11 billion. Societal benefits, however, are estimated at US$18–42 billion, exceeding the abatement costs significantly. Avoiding excess fertilizer and protein-rich animal feed could provide 30% of the mitigation potential at no additional cost. Dietary optimization with less animal products could further reduce emissions by 12% by 2050.

Xiuming Zhang, Baojing Gu, Hans van Grinsven, Shu Kee Lam, Xia Liang, Mei Bai, Deli Chen