The New Zealand Government brought in a cap on synthetic nitrogen fertiliser (synthetic fertiliser) as part of the 2020 freshwater reforms. During the consultation period Greenpeace submitted in support of a full phase-out of synthetic fertiliser, along with thousands of New Zealanders. The following briefing makes the case for a full phase-out and includes:
- A summary of the climate and water quality impacts of synthetic fertiliser and its role in the breach of the safe planetary boundary for nitrogen pollution.
- An overview of the use of synthetic fertiliser in New Zealand
- The economic benefits of phasing out its use.
- Other matters relevant to the need for a full phase-out.
- How a synthetic fertiliser phase-out could be applied.
- International examples of synthetic fertiliser prohibitions and stringent caps
PETITION: Get nitrates out of our drinking water
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Call on the Government to lower the limit for nitrates in drinking water to safe levels
