Integrated nitrogen indicator, national nitrogen target and the current situation in Germany (DESTINO Report 1)

Excessive reactive nitrogen affects the air and groundwater quality, the good condition of land and marine ecosystems, as well as the climate and biodiversity. Different economic and consumer sectors release different nitrogen compounds, which are connected to one another via the nitrogen cycle. In order to raise public awareness to the complex problem situation and sensitivity for urgent political measures, an impact-oriented integrated target for nitrogen was developed for Germany. The aim is to limit nitrogen emission in Germany to 1,000 kt N a-1. Compared to a reference situation in 2015, the total annual release of reactive nitrogen in Germany has to be reduced by around a third.