What is nitrous oxide (N2O)?

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), also known as laughing gas, contributes to the greenhouse effect.

In addition to natural sources, agriculture and fertilisers produce nitrous oxide. Around 40% of the total N₂O emissions globally come from human activities. The IPCC has calculated that nitrous oxide comprises about 6% of all greenhouse gas emissions, and its emissions rose 30% in the past forty years.