Scenario analysis on protein consumption and climate change effects on riverine N export to the Baltic Sea

Environ Sci Technol. 2010 Apr 1;44(7):2379-85. doi: 10.1021/es902632p.

Abstract

This paper evaluates possible future nitrogen loadings from 105 catchments surrounding the Baltic Sea. Multiple regressions are used to model total nitrogen (TN) flux as a function of specific runoff (Q), atmospheric nitrogen deposition, and primary emissions (PE) from humans and livestock. On average cattle contributed with 63%, humans with 20%, and pigs with 17% of the total nitrogen PE to land. Compared to the reference period (1992-1996) we then evaluated two types of scenarios for year 2070. i) An increased protein consumption scenario that led to 16% to 39% increased mean TN flux (kg per km(-2)). ii) Four climate scenarios addressing effects of changes in river discharge. These scenarios showed increased mean TN flux from the northern catchments draining into the Gulf of Bothnia (34%) and the Gulfs of Finland and Riga (14%), while the mean TN flux decreased (-27%) for catchments draining to the Baltic Proper. However, the net effect of the scenarios showed a possible increase in TN flux ranging from 3-72%. Overall an increased demand for animal protein will be instrumental for the Baltic Sea ecosystem and may be a major holdback to fulfill the environmental goals of the Baltic Sea Action Plan.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atmosphere / chemistry
  • Climate Change*
  • Humans
  • Models, Chemical
  • Motion*
  • Nitrogen / analysis*
  • Oceans and Seas
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • Rivers / chemistry*

Substances

  • Proteins
  • Nitrogen