Global average atmospheric abundance of nitrous oxide 2001-2023
The globally-averaged mean atmospheric nitrous oxide (N₂O) abundance reached a new record high of 336.7 parts per million (ppb) in 2023. Annual atmospheric N₂O concentrations have increased by more than six percent since 2001. Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential (GWP) 300 times greater than carbon dioxide. One factor for the rise in N₂0 levels has been the increased use of nitrogen fertilizer for agriculture.