by Bill Flederbach | April 9, 2025
As we launch our new ‘Insights for Impact’ video on the critical importance of nitrous oxide (N2O) abatement, it’s clear that this potent greenhouse gas remains a hidden giant in the climate conversation. At ClimeCo, we’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of addressing N2O emissions through the Voluntary Carbon Market as a necessity in our global fight against climate change.
What is N2O?
N2O is a colorless, odorless greenhouse gas (GHG) primarily produced by industrial processes, especially in manufacturing nitric and adipic acid (e.g., chemicals used in fertilizers and nylon production). However, despite its relative obscurity in mainstream climate discourse, N2O has an outsized impact on our planet, with a global warming potential 273 times greater than CO2. It lingers in the atmosphere for over a century, amplifying its destructive potential and contributing to the erosion of the ozone layer.
Significant Opportunity for Emission Reductions at Scale: The Industrial Sector
While N2O has not been the popular GHG on the block, it represents one of the most cost-effective areas for significant emissions reduction. ClimeCo has been at the forefront of developing project solutions to reduce emissions from this super pollutant, particularly in the industrial gas sector. Since our founding in 2009, we’ve implemented nitric acid abatement solutions for plants worldwide, eliminating millions of tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions.
Our efforts have yielded significant results:
- In the U.S. alone, our projects have achieved over 40 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent reductions – equivalent to taking over 9 million gasoline-powered passenger vehicles off the road for a year.
- Our technologies have pushed efficiency rates to 99.9% in projects like our adipic acid initiative at Ascend Performance Materials, resulting in an annual reduction of approximately 6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
From Science to Action: ClimeCo’s Announcements at COP29
In November, I was privileged to represent ClimeCo at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. I participated in a U.S. Center panel titled “Slashing N2O Emissions: From Science to Action.” The U.S. Center panel at COP29 brought together experts from key organizations, including Climate Advisers, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, and the International Nitrogen Initiative, to discuss actionable solutions for slashing N2O emissions.
I’m proud to share that ClimeCo signed N2O abatement agreements with four Chinese chemical companies, reducing 45 million metric tons of CO2e annually – equivalent to taking 11 million gas-powered cars off the road for a year. As we expand globally, we’re setting aggressive baselines and leveraging voluntary carbon markets (VCM) to drive innovation.
Looking Ahead: a Global Solution for a Global Problem
I’m more convinced than ever that N2O abatement represents one of the most cost-effective and impactful areas for significant emissions reduction. At ClimeCo, we’re committed to driving this change, but we can’t do it alone.
We need:
- Increased Awareness: N2O must be brought to the forefront of climate discussions.
- Policy Support: Governments must create frameworks that incentivize N2O reduction.
- Industry Collaboration: We must work together to implement and scale abatement technologies.
- Fair Carbon Pricing: A robust carbon market is crucial to make these projects economically viable.
The road to N2O abatement is clear, and the urgency is palpable. As a global community, we must prioritize this often-overlooked aspect of climate action. With the right policies, partnerships, and investments, we can eliminate millions of tonnes of emissions from sectors that are often under the radar, helping to secure a more sustainable future for all.
Let’s harness the power of innovative technologies and fair carbon pricing to drive real, lasting change. The world will be all the better for it.
About the Author
Bill Flederbach is the President & CEO of ClimeCo and a global leader in sustainability and decarbonization solutions. Since starting ClimeCo in 2009, he has led significant scalable Greenhouse Gas reduction efforts while nurturing an innovative culture. Through his leadership, ClimeCo is well known for its technical role in developing a diverse portfolio of environmental credits and providing sustainability solutions and advisory for clients working towards a resilient and low-carbon future.
