The rapid increase in nitrogen fertilizer use is the primary reason agricultural emissions are increasing. This increase is incompatible with commitments to reduce economy-wide emissions by 2030 and reach near-zero by 2050. The NFU has published a new report that takes a big picture, long-term view of nitrogen fertilizer: how it underpins our civilization and our farms, its many benefits, its greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts, ways to reduce those emissions, and how a deep dive into “the nitrogen issue” begins to illuminate the transformations needed in our food systems and on our farms.
Darrin Qualman is the NFU’s Director of Climate Crisis Policy and Action. In his recent work with the NFU, Darrin is the author of several reports including Tackling the Farm Crisis and the Climate Crisis. In addition to his current position, he served other roles with the NFU between 1996 and 2010 including Director of Research. He has been active in supporting many NFU campaigns including genetically modified wheat, the struggle to retain the Canadian Wheat Board, and work to keep the genetically modified hormone rBGH out of Canadian dairy supplies. He is also the author of the 2019 book Civilization Critical: Energy, Food, Nature, and the Future which as recently been translated and released in China. He farmed with his family for two decades just south of Saskatoon. And he has academic degrees in history, biology, and political studies.
This class is available in English only.
