For the first time, that strategy promised action on the key role that ammonia plays in the cycle of air pollution – previous pronouncements on air pollution concentrated on transport and industrial emissions. Dealing with ammonia, as the evidence we have amassed shows clearly, is an urgent problem, but current schemes to help farmers reduce levels have been slammed as “inadequate” by the farmers themselves, making barely a dent in the rising emissions. Vicki Hird, farming campaign coordinator at the group Sustain, said: “Air pollution is a hidden killer, for humans and wildlife, and increasing ammonia emissions from intensive farming need to be addressed urgently. We have already published guidance on how farmers can take action and will consult later this year on policy to reduce emissions from urea fertilisers, the first in a series of rules to reduce ammonia emissions from farming.”Big reductions in ammonia can be achieved through simple measures. Ammonia has been overlooked for many years, in part because vehicles and industry were the main focus of air pollution concerns, and also because it is not just a UK problem.

Source: The Guardian June 13, 2019 15:00 UTC